Sprains and Strains

What Is a Sprain?

A sprain is an injury to a joint ligament. Ligaments are the strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another at a joint. The severity of the injury can be classified by the amount of tissue tearing, joint instability, pain, and swelling. The mildest sprain (1 st degree) has little tearing, pain or swelling and joint stability is good. The 2 nd degree sprain has the broadest range of damage, with moderate instability to severe pain and swelling. The most serious sprain is a 3 rd degree sprain. The ligament is completely ruptured and the joint is unstable. There may be severe pain at first, but afterwards there may be no pain. There will be a lot of swelling with this type of sprain, and often other tissue is damaged.

What Is a Strain?

A strain is damage to muscle fibers and to the fibers that attach the muscle to the bone. Other names for a strain include “torn muscle,” “muscle pulls” and “ruptured tendons.” Muscle injuries are classified from 1 st degree (least severe) to 3 rd degree (most severe) strains. A 1 st degree strain has little tissue tearing, mild tenderness and pain with full range of motion. As with the sprains, the 2 nd degree strain has a wide variability.

Muscle or tendon tissues have been torn, resulting in very painful, limited motion. There may be some observable swelling or a depression at the spot of injury with a 2 nd degree strain. The 3 rd degree strain involves complete rupture of a part of the muscle. Motion is severely decreased or absent. Pain will be severe at first, but the muscle may be painless after the initial injury.

How Are Sprains and Strains Treated?

There are several decisions that you must make when you injure yourself. How serious is the injury? Do I think I need to see a health care provider? Look for deformities, swelling, and changes in skin color. If there are deformities, significant swelling or pain, you should immobilize the area and seek medical help. Many fractures will not cause a deformity. If there is any doubt you should seek medical attention.

First Aid for Sprains and Strains

Management of both sprains and strains follows the RICE principle.

R-Rest and restrict activity

I-Apply ice

C-Apply compression

E-Elevate the injured area

This principle limits the amount of swelling at the injury and improves the healing process. Splints, pads, and crutches will protect the joint or muscle from further injury when used appropriately (usually for more severe sprains or strains). Activity restriction (usually for 48-72 hours) will allow the healing process to begin. During the activity restriction, you should begin to gently move the muscle or joint. Ice should be applied for 15 to 20 minutes every hour to hour and a half. Compression, such as an elastic bandage, should be kept on between icing. You may want to remove the bandage while sleeping, though keeping it compressed even during the night is best. Elevating the limb will also keep the swelling to a minimum.

Important: If you suspect more than a mild injury, cannot put weight on the limb, or it gives way, you should consult a health care provider.

For more information about preventing sprains and strains and their treatment, contact Saint Vincent Sports Medicine at 814-866-3466.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.