SPRAINS & STRAINS

What they are
A sprain is a trauma to a joint but the term is usually applied specifically to the ligaments. There are different "degrees" of sprain depending on the amount of injury. In a severe sprain, the ligaments may be completely torn. If the muscles or tendons are affected, it is usually called a strain. The joint most often sprained is the ankle.

Symptoms
It is often hard to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture because both will cause pain, rapid swelling, heat, redness, bruising, loss of mobility, and increased pain on movement. The intensity of the symptoms are also not good indicators of whether fracture has occurred. Because of this, a sprain should be treated as a fracture until an x-ray can be done.

Treatment
The RICE acronym should be used with any sprain:

R = Rest
I = Ice / Immobilisation
C = Compression, and
E = Elevation.

REST:
Rest the area by keeping pressure off it during the first 12-24 hours.

ICE:
Apply ice for the first 24 hours.

IMMOBILISATION:
keep joint movement at a minimum.

COMPRESSION:
Wrap in an Ace bandage to minimise swelling and movement

ELEVATION:
Elevating the joint also minimises swelling.

During the first 12-24 hours, bandage the joint with cold compresses (remember, if using ice to do 10-15 minutes on with 10 minutes off in order to prevent damage to the skin and don't apply the ice directly to the skin- wrap it in a cloth). Elevate the joint and take an analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory medication depending on the degree of pain.
When the pain subsides, begin gently exercising the joint to regain strength, movement, and mobility. This can take anywhere from about a week (for a mild sprain), to a month or more (for severe sprains).

Prevention

• Always warm-up before any physical activity.
• Tape or wrap joints with a brace or athletic support before more active sports.
• Exercise regularly (with regular stretching before and after) to help keep joints stronger and more flexible.

ALWAYS CONTACT A DOCTOR OR YOUR GP