Sprains and Strains Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Sprain?

Sprain is linked to the joints and is caused if a joint bears too much weight. When a person pivots his knee, injures his wrist by falling or meets an accident, sprain might occur. This may occur in any joint inside the body when ligaments are stretch. Ligaments are fibrous tissues that connect a bone to another.

What Is Strain?

Strain may be a similar injury but strain is caused when too much pressure is exerted on a muscle. In a nutshell, Sprain is an injury of ligaments while strain is an injury of muscles.

What Are The Symptoms Of Sprains And Strains?

Although the severity of a sprain varies, there are some common symptoms including:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Bruising

Apart from these common symptoms, the victim might hear a pop sound when a sprain occurs. On the other hand, strains have the following symptoms:

• Muscle spasm
• Little or no ability to move the muscle that has been affected
• Pain
• Swelling
• Cramping
• Muscle weakness

When Is The High Time To Seek Medical Help?

Mild cases of strains and sprains may not need medical assistance. However one must consult a doctor in case:

• You become unable to move your affected joint.
• Pain is increasingly worsening.
• Experiencing numbness in the injured area.

What Causes Sprains And Strains?

Since sprain is an injury of joint, falling during a sport or a blow to the body by any means can cause it. This leads the joint to remove from its position as the ligaments are affected.

On the other hand, strain is caused as a result of an over-burdened muscle. This means that if too much pressure or burden is exerted on any muscle or tendon, strain is likely to occur. Acute strain occurs usually because of an over-stretched muscle or immense muscle contraction.

How Are Sprains And Strains Diagnosed?

Once the victim realizes that he has a sprain or strain, he must see a medical expert. Delaying the appointment with doctor will only result in an increased pain and discomfort. In general, doctors claim that X-rays and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are sufficient enough to diagnose a sprain or a strain accurately.

How Is A Sprain Or Strain Treated?

Although there are certain home remedies that medical experts have approved, the victim must seek medical advice so that the case does not get worse. Applying ice immediately on the swelled area, resting as much as possible and compressing the affected area are some successful and effective home remedies. However, medications and a therapy might be important if the sprain or strain is severe.

How Can Sprains And Strains Be Prevented In Future?

Sprains and strains are not completely avoidable but certain measures can be taken to prevent them to an extent. These measures include:

• Perform muscle stretching and fitness exercises regularly.
• Warm up is mandatory prior any match so that the body gets prepare for extra efforts.
• Wear footwear that is comfortable and protected.
• Consume a diet full of fresh vegetables and fruits.

By : Natural Health News