Sprain vs. Strain: Find out what the difference is, what to do if you get one and how you can prevent them from happening.

STRAIN AFFECTS MUSCLE
Stretched or torn muscle
Caused by overuse or improper positioning
Shoulder- throwing balls, swinging rackets or swimming.
Back improper lifting

SPRAIN AFFECTS JOINTS
Stretched or torn ligament
Caused by trauma (fall, twisting motion, or car accident)
Ankle
Neck-whiplash
Knee
Wrist
Elbow
Hip

WHAT INCREASES A PERSON'S RISK?
· Being overweight
· Poor physical conditioning
Improper posture
Poor fitting shoes or high heels
High risk activities
skateboarding
contact sports
skating-ice or roller
rock climbing/ hiking
skiing

WHAT ARE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Dull pain initially later intense especially with touching
May have redness or bruising and swelling

Severe cases are difficult to distinguish from a fracture or dislocation and may need to be x-rayed
Muscle will not function
Joint is painful and the person is not able to bear weight on the joint “gives in”

HOW IS A MILD CASE TREATMENT?
Initial treatment is RICE
1. REST
First couple days
Gradually add range of motion activities
Return to normal activities
Avoid strenuous activity initially

2.ICE
Apply for 15 minutes - 2 hours, 3 or 4 times a day
Wrap the ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin--
use bag of frozen peas as ice pack
Coldness numbs the nerves and relieves the pain
Slows down the inflammation process of swelling
After 24 hours can alternate with heat

3.COMPRESSION
May help control swelling
Use during the daytime and not at night

4. ELEVATION
Raise the affected limb;
Above the heart if possible
Helps to drain fluid and reduce swelling

MEDICATION
Over the counter- Tylenol, Advil or Motrin

WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR PREVENTION?
Use proper shoes and Sporting equipment
Do exercises to strengthen weak muscles
Wrap weak joints with support bandages
Stretch muscles before and after exercises