Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

  • Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
    • Call Today: (205) 877-9191
    • Patient Portal
    • Online Bill Pay
    • Request an Appointment
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Meet the Providers
    • Thomas Powell, MD
    • Physician Assistants
  • Services
    • Orthopedic Surgery
    • Sports Medicine
    • Joint Replacement / Reconstruction
  • Specialties
    • Foot & Ankle
    • Hip & Knee
    • Shoulder, Elbow, & Wrist
  • Testimonials
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Exercises
    • Preparing For My Surgery
  • FAQs
  • Patient Forms
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Sprains & Strains

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Am I at Risk
  • Complications

Introduction

Sprains and strains are common injuries that can happen to anyone, but occur most frequently in people who participate in sports, perform repetitive activities, or are at-risk for falls.  Sprains involve the tissues that connect bones together (ligaments).  Strains involve a different group of tissues, muscles and the tendons that connect muscles to bones.  Mild sprains and strains can heal with rest and home care.  Significant sprains and strains may require rehabilitation, surgery, or both.
Back to top

Anatomy

Your skeleton is made up of bones of all sizes and shapes.  Some bones form joints that allow movement.  Muscles are strong bands of tissue that contract and relax to move bones.  Muscles are attached to bones by tendons, a fibrous tissue.  Some bones in the body are connected together by ligaments, strong tissues that provide stability and support. 
Back to top

Causes

Sprain
A sprain describes an injury to a ligament that connects two bones.  A ligament can stretch or tear if the bones in a joint move out of position from a force, such as a fall or direct contact with another person during sports.  For example, an ankle or wrist sprain can result from a fall.

Strain
A strain describes an injury to a muscle or tendon.  Muscles and tendons can be injured from overuse, overstretching, repetitive motions, sports injury, or a direct force, such as from being hit.  For example, back strain may occur in people who perform repetitive heavy lifting.
Back to top

Symptoms

Sprains
A sprain causes pain, bruising, and swelling.  You may hear or feel a pop when the injury occurs.  A severe sprain causes intense pain at the time of injury, followed by difficulty moving a joint.
 
Strains
A strain causes muscle pain, weakness, cramping, spasm, or swelling.  Moderate to severe sprains can result in muscle tearing.
Back to top

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose a sprain or strain by physical examination.  Your doctor will ask you to move your joint and test your muscle strength.  X-rays may be taken if a fracture is suspected. 
Back to top

Treatment

Immediately following your  injury, you should elevate your joint and apply cold packs to prevent swelling.  Your doctor will formulate a treatment plan based on the severity and degree of your injury.  Mild sprains and strains may benefit from physical or occupational therapy following injury.  More significant sprains and strains may require surgery or immobilization with a brace or splint for healing.
Back to top

Am I at Risk

You may be at risk for strains and strains if:
• Your body is deconditioned or overweight
• You participate in sports, dance, or other challenging physical activities
• Your job duties entail repetitive movements
• You have experienced a strain or sprain before
• You are at-risk for falls

Back to top

Complications

Sprains and strains may be prevented by exercising and eating wisely to keep your body fit and healthy.  You can help prevent sprains and strains by warming up and cooling down, respectively, before and after exercising.  Be sure to wear the proper shoes and safety equipment for the sports or job duties in which you participate.  Older adults should discuss fall-risk prevention with their doctors.
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on April 13th, 2016. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

img src="https://wp02-media.cdn.ihealthspot.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/423/2019/02/22195212/quotes.png" alt="Quotes" /

Testimonials

Dr. Powell has taken care of my family through many fractures and sprains throughout the years. With two teenage boys we saw him often!! Great doctor!!! Always a pleasant experience.

READ MORE

  • Patient Exercises

    These conditioning programs can help you return to daily activities and enjoy a more active lifestyle following an injury or surgery. LEARN MORE
  • Patient Education

    Our informative patient education library is designed to broaden your knowledge of orthopedic conditions and available treatments. LEARN MORE

Blog

Obtain the latest news on research and advancements in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine with our exclusive blog.

LEARN MORE

  • Home
  • Meet the Providers
  • Specialties
  • Services
  • Testimonials
  • Patient Resources
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Accessibility Statement
  • HIPAA Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap

Copyright © Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. All Rights Reserved.

Vestavia Hills Office

2020 Canyon Road
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 877-9191
Fax: (205) 877-8377

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

At Powell Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, our compassionate board-certified orthopedic physicians treat a range of conditions including: orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, joint replacement and reconstruction, hip and knee pain, foot and ankle pain, and shoulder, elbow, and wrist pain.

  • Home
  • Meet the Providers
    • Thomas Powell, MD
    • Physician Assistants
    • Back
  • Services
    • Orthopedic Surgery
    • Sports Medicine
    • Joint Replacement / Reconstruction
    • Back
  • Specialties
    • Foot & Ankle
    • Hip & Knee
    • Shoulder, Elbow, & Wrist
    • Back
  • Testimonials
  • Patient Resources
    • Patient Exercises
    • Preparing For My Surgery
    • Back
  • FAQs
  • Patient Forms
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Patient Portal
  • Online Bill Pay
  • Request an Appointment