How do you treat a sprain or strain?
- Rest: Keep your child from using the injured area. ...
- Ice: Apply ice or cold compresses for 15 to 20 minutes at a time to limit blood flow to the injury and reduce swelling, which ultimately helps it heal.
- Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage or splint to keep swelling down and relieve pain.
What is the healing time for a sprain?
“A first degree sprain is a mild tear of the ligament, causing mild swelling and pain, and tends to recover quickly,” says Sampsell. First degree sprains often take 3 weeks to heal. But some people can recover in less time, while some need 4 or 5 weeks.
How to prevent and treat muscle sprains and strains?
- Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.
- Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
- Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
- Elevate – keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.
Is it possible to prevent sprains and strains?
Stretching before exercising may help prevent sprains or strains. People can help to prevent sprains and strains by: Strengthening muscles around joints: Regular conditioning and stability exercises can build a strong skeletal framework and help prevent injuries. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What is the treatment of strains?
For immediate self-care of a muscle strain, try the R.I.C.E. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
What is the main treatment method for sprains and strains?
The main treatment (first aid) for all sprains and strains is RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Home remedies may include over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy or massage may also be prescribed.
What are the 4 steps for treatment of strains and sprains?
Follow the RICE management plan: Rest the patient and the injury. Apply an icepack (cold compress) wrapped in a wet cloth to the injury for 15 minutes every 2 hours for 24 hours and then for 15 minutes every 4 hours for 24 hours. Apply a compression elastic bandage firmly to the injury that extends well beyond the ...
What is the immediate treatment of a sprain or strain?
Try to ice the area as soon as possible after the injury and continue to ice it for 15 to 20 minutes, four to eight times a day, for the first 48 hours or until swelling improves. If you use ice, be careful not to use it too long, as this could cause tissue damage. Compress the area with an elastic wrap or bandage.
Which medicine is best for sprain?
In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) — are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle.
What is the appropriate first aid for strains?
Rest: Rest the injured part until it's less painful. Ice: Wrap an icepack or cold compress in a towel and place over the injured part immediately. Continue for no more than 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day. Compression: Support the injured part with an elastic compression bandage for at least 2 days.
What is the common home treatment method for fractures sprains and strains?
What home remedies are effective for sprains and strains?Rest the injured part. Pain is the body's signal to not move an injury.Ice the injury. This will limit the swelling and help with the spasm.Compress the injured area. This again, limits the swelling. ... Elevate the injured part.
Is the RICE method is used in treating sprains and strains?
Bottom Line. The RICE method for treating acute sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This is most effective for injuries within 48 hours. With minor injuries, the RICE method can reduce pain and swelling, and return you to your activities as soon as possible.
Which of the following home treatment is appropriate for sprain?
Ice: Apply cold to the ankle several times a day to help reduce pain and swelling. Compression: Apply a static or elastic compression bandage to help limit swelling. Elevation: Reduce the flow of blood and other fluids to the injury site by elevating the ankle above the heart.
What is the treatment for a sprain?
Initial treatment for a sprain or strain includes R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). Other treatment options may include: Physical therapy (to stretch and strengthen the injured muscles, ligaments, and tendons)
How to determine if a sprain is a sprain?
Specific treatment for a sprain or strain will be determined by your physician based on: 1 Your age, overall health, and medical history 2 Extent of the injury 3 Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies 4 Expectations for the course of the injury 5 Your opinion or preference
What to do if you have a torn ligament?
Surgery (especially if the injury is reoccurring or if a muscle, tendon, or ligament is badly torn) Be sure to consult your physician if there is a prolonged, visible deformity of the affected area, or if severe pain prevents use of arm, leg, wrist, ankle, or knee.
How can sports injuries be prevented?
Most sports injuries are due to either traumatic injury or overuse of muscles or joints. Many sports injuries can be prevented with proper conditioning and training, wearing appropriate protective gear, and using proper equipment.
Can a sprain heal quickly?
Contusions, sprains, or strains may heal quite quickly, depending on one's age. It is important that the patient adhere to the activity restrictions and/or stretching and strengthening rehabilitation programs to prevent re-injury. Most sports injuries are due to either traumatic injury or overuse of muscles or joints.
What is the best way to care for a sprain?
For immediate self-care of a sprain, try the R.I.C.E. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation:
How long does it take to recover from a sprain?
Recovery from sprains can take days to months. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb.
Who to refer to for orthopedic surgery?
While you may initially consult your family physician, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.
What is the best treatment for a sprain?
Rest, ice, compression, elevation, and NSAIDs are the standard treatment for sprains and strains that aren't severe. In more severe cases, you may need to immobilize the body part. Surgery may be performed for severe tears in young, athletic people.
How to treat a sprain in the body?
Use the frozen cube like an ice cream cone, peeling away the paper as the ice melts. Do NOT ice a sprain or strain for more than 20 minutes at a time!! You will not be helping heal the injury any faster, and you can cause damage to the body. Use compression when elevating a sprain or strain in early treatment.
How to tell if you have a sprain or strain?
The most common symptoms of a sprain or strain include: 1 Pain at the location of the injury 2 Swelling and bruising of the injured area 3 Difficulty bending an injured joint 4 Spasm of an injured muscle
What causes a sprain?
Causes of Sprains and Strains. A sprain is caused by a ligament being stretched too far. Ligaments are very strong and can allow a joint to move, but they do not have much elasticity. That means that when the ligament is stretched too far, tears can occur. A ligament tear can be partial or complete.
What is the difference between a strain and a sprain?
Sprains are ligament injuries and strains are muscle or tendon injuries. Both can happen due to being stretched too far or over used. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the injured part.
What is a sprain in 2021?
Updated on July 06, 2021. A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Commonly injured ligaments are in the ankle, knee, and wrist. The ligaments can be injured by being stretched too far from their normal position.
How long after a sprain can you rest?
The following is an explanation of the RICE method of treatment for sprains and strains: Rest: The first 24-48 hours after the injury is considered a critical treatment period and activities need to be curtailed. Gradually use the injured extremity as much as tolerated, by try to avoid any activities that cause pain.
How Can One Prevent a Sprain or Strain?
It is possible to prevent many sprains and strains from occurring. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests the following to help reduce one's injury risk:
What is the first line of treatment for a sprain?
RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is the first line of treatment for most sprains and strains. For the first day or two after an injury, wrap a sprain or strain in compression bandages. Sprains and strains are common orthopedic injuries. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, and a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.
What Are Symptoms and Signs of Sprains and Strains?
Sprains tend to have symptoms more localized to the injured joint. When the joint is injured, it's possible to feel a tear or pop in the joint. Pain is usually immediate, and depending on the severity of the injury, it may not be possible to use the joint. Signs and symptoms of sprains include
What Causes Sprains and Strains?
A sprain is usually caused by trauma to a joint (the space between bones).
What Specialists Treat Sprains and Strains?
A primary care provider, such as a family practitioner, an internist, or a child's pediatrician, may diagnose a sprain or strain.
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, and a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. A sprain is usually caused by trauma to a joint. A strain is usually the result of overstretching or overuse of muscles and tendons. People at higher risk for sprains and strains include athletes, people who have had sprains and strains before, ...
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
Mild sprains or strains may take two to six weeks for recovery, while severe sprains or strains may take six months to a year to fully heal. A grade 1 strain, which is mild, requires two to three weeks of rest for recovery. Grade 2 strains are more extensive and usually three to six weeks of recovery time is needed.
How to treat a sprain?
What is the treatment for sprains and strains? Sprains and strains can usually be treated with home therapy using the RICE interventions. However, if the injury is more severe, your care provider may suggest splinting or casting to rest the injured joint.
What home remedies are effective for sprains and strains?
Initial treatment for sprains and strains should occur as soon as possible. Remember RICE!
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
This means that the expectation is for the injury to completely heal. The time frame for recovery depends on the severity of the injury. It may take just a few days for a slight sprain of an ankle to heal, or it may take months for a knee to heal that has to be surgically reconstructed.
What is the best way to rest a leg injury?
Sometimes, resting the injury requires some help. Slings for arm injuries or crutches for leg injuries can be used, in addition to a variety of removable splints to protect the injured area from further damage and movement. Resting also helps relieve some of the muscle spasm associated with the injury.
What is the most important therapy for injuries?
Perhaps the most important therapy for all injuries is rehabilitation. This may be a home exercise program that your doctor outlines, or it may be a formal physical therapy program. You should have an understanding before leaving the office or hospital of what work is expected to rehabilitate the injury.
What is the best pain medication for teens?
Over-the-counter pain medication is an option. Acetaminophen ( Tylenol) is helpful for pain, but ibuprofen ( Motrin, Advil) or naproxen ( Aleve) might be better because these medications relieve both pain and inflammation. Remember to follow the guidelines on the bottle for appropriate dose of the medicine, especially for children and teens. Underlying medical conditions or use of other prescription medicines may limit the use of over the counter pain medications.
Can you use a nonremovable splint?
Occasionally, if the injury is especially severe, the physician may want to use a nonremovable splint made of plaster or fiberglass. Although the splint may look like a cast, it doesn't have plaster or fiberglass completely encircling the injured area.
How to prevent sprains and strains?
Stretching before exercising may help prevent sprains or strains. People can help to prevent sprains and strains by: Strengthening muscles around joints: Regular conditioning and stability exercises can build a strong skeletal framework and help prevent injuries.
What is the cure protocol for sprains?
Treatment. It is important to follow the four-step RICE protocol for both sprains and strains to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the affected area: RICE stands for: Rest: Stop any exercise or physical activities and avoid putting any weight on the affected limb.
What is a sprain in a sprain?
People can often treat sprains and strains at home. A sprain is an overstretched, torn, or twisted ligament. A ligament is a tough band of fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bones or cartilage. Ligaments are usually located around joints.
What is a sprain in the body?
Outlook. Sprains and strains both refer to damage to the soft tissues in the body, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They are common injuries that share some symptoms but affect different body parts. People can often treat sprains and strains at home. A sprain is an overstretched, torn, or twisted ligament.
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
Mild to moderate strains and sprains should take between 2 days and 1 week to heal. After this, it is essential to ensure the affected body part is well supported to avoid further injury.
What causes a sprained ligament to move?
The most common causes of sprains are falling, twisting, or experiencing trauma to the joint. These types of injuries may cause the joint to move out of its normal range of movement, tearing or stretching the ligament as this happens.
What are the most common sprained areas?
Commonly sprained areas include the wrists, ankles, thumbs, and knees. A strain is an overstretched, torn, or twisted tendon or muscle. A tendon is a tough cord of fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones. Commonly strained areas include the legs, knees, feet, and back.
How to recover from a sprain?
Your doctor can let you know if you need that. To recover from a sprain or strain, you may need to do exercises at home or work with a physical therapist. For a severe injury, you may need surgery. Swipe to advance. Swipe to advance.
What to do if you have a sprain in your foot?
Crutches, canes, and walking boots can help in some situations. If your sprain or strain is severe, you might need physical therapy. Your doctor can check your injury and advise the best treatment plan. In any case, ease back into activity slowly. Swipe to advance.
How to treat a swollen thigh?
To curb swelling and pain in the first 24 hours after a minor injury, apply a cold compress for 20-30 minutes. Then remove it for 20-30 minutes. You can use a bag of frozen peas. Or put ice cubes in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel to avoid frostbite. A menthol gel or spray may also provide cool pain relief. Don't apply heat in the first 24 hours of your injury. It may worsen swelling. Later, you can try it to relax tight, sore muscles.
How to heal bruises?
It happens if small blood vessels below your skin break. To help bruises heal, use a cold compress right after the injury, then raise the injured area above your heart, if you can.
What to do if you can't put weight on a sprained ankle?
If you can't put weight on a sprained or strained knee or ankle, your doctor may suggest a cane, crutch, brace, or walking boot to help as you heal. If you need a brace or assistive walking device, get your doctor's advice on how to use it. Swipe to advance.
Is It a Sprain or Strain?
It’s all about what gets hurt. If you injure a muscle or tendon (which attaches muscle to bone), it’s a strain. Sprains affect ligaments, which connect the end of one bone to another. For both injuries, the answer is often RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
How to prevent a sprain from a sprain?
Working out or playing sports on cold muscles isn’t good for your joints. Warm up, stretch, and give your joints time to prepare for physical activity. Exercise regularly.
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
For mild strains or sprains, most people can return to limited activities in two to three days. If it’s a moderate injury, you may need a week. Even when you feel up to activities again, take extra precaution to protect the joint. You might want to tape the joint or support it with a brace for a bit until the tissue has had time to heal.
What is the term for the overstretching of ligaments?
A joint sprain is the overstretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are the bands of tissue that connect two bones together in a joint. The most common location for a sprain is the ankle joint. A joint strain is the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Tendons are the dense fibrous cords of tissue that connect bones to muscles.
How are sprains and strains similar?
The symptoms of a sprain and a strain are very similar. That’s because the injuries themselves are very similar. It’s no wonder the two conditions are frequently confused.
What are some things that can cause a sprain?
These include: athletic activities or exercise, including running or jogging. accidents, such as falling or slipping. lifting heavy objects.
How to stop swelling in knee after a sprain?
Elevation: Try to keep the affected joint elevated above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling. If your knee or ankle is affected, that may mean you need to stay in bed or on the couch for up to two days after your injury. If you can’t keep it as high as your heart, parallel to the ground is also OK.
Can a doctor diagnose a sprain?
Doctors often diagnose a sprain or strain by excluding other causes for your symptoms. After a brief physical exam, your doctor may request an X-ray. An X-ray will rule out any breaks or fractures. If the X-ray isn’t conclusive, your doctor might request another type of imaging test called an MRI.
Symptoms of Sprains and Strains
Causes
- For immediate self-care of a sprain, try the R.I.C.E. approach — rest, ice, compression, elevation: 1. Rest.Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. But don't avoid all physical activity. 2. Ice.Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. Use an ice pack or slush bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each ti...
Diagnosis
Treatment
Summary
- Sprains and strains have some symptoms in common and others that are unique to each injury. The symptoms they share include:2 1. Pain 2. Swelling/inflammation 3. Difficulty moving the injured part 4. Limited range of motion Symptoms vary with the intensity of the injury.1
A Word from Verywell
- Many sports put you at risk for sprains and strains, including: 1. Football 2. Basketball 3. Gymnastics 4. Volleyball These injuries can also occur with everyday activities, such as: 1. Slipping on ice 2. Falling on your wrist 3. Jamming a finger 4. Repetitive activities You can end up with a sprain or strain from any activity that goes beyond your personal physical limits. If your co…