Total Care Podiatry

What are they?

Sprains and strains are common injuries. Their symptoms are usually graded according to how mild or severe they are.

Sprains often occur in ligaments around a joint, such as your ankle or your knee. However, the joint is not dislocated or fractured. In a minor sprain, some of the fibres within the ligament are stretched. In more serious sprains, the ligament may be torn, either partially or completely. A damaged ligament can cause inflammation, bruising and pain around the affected joint. The most common locations for sprains are the ankle, knee, thumb and wrist.

What causes it?

Sprain:

A sprain occurs when one or more of your ligaments have been stretched, twisted or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue around joints, which connect one bone to another, and help to keep your bones together and stable.

Strain:

Most muscle strains happen if a muscle is:

• Overstretched.
• Forced to tighten (contract) too strongly.

How is it treated?

Most mild to moderate sprains and strains can be treated at home.

Sprains and strains – using PRICE

Healthcare professionals advise that immediate treatment of sprains and strains should follow PRICE therapy. PRICE stands for protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Sprains and strains – avoiding HARM

For the first 72 hours after a sprain or muscle strain you should avoid HARM. This means you should avoid Heat, Alcohol, Running, Massage.

Sprains – moving the injured joint

Healthcare professionals advise that you should not immobilise your injured joint and should not stop moving completely. As soon as the pain allows you to move your joint, you should start doing flexibility (range of motion) exercises. Your GP can give you information and advice about the exercises that will be suitable for you.

Treating pain

If you experience pain from a strain or sprain paracetamol is the first type of painkiller that is recommended. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can also help to reduce swelling and inflammation. However, NSAIDs should only be considered for use 48 hours after the injury has occurred because if they are used before this time they may adversely affect the healing process. Your GP may also prescribe an NSAID cream or gel such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen to help treat pain.

Recovery

Following a sprain or a strain, the length of time that it will take for you to recover will depend on how severe the injury is.

Depending on its severity after an ankle sprain you will probably be able to walk within 1-2 weeks after the injury. You may be able to use your ankle fully after 6-8 weeks and you will probably be able to return to sporting activities after 8-12 weeks.