0333 577 4550
enquiries@bodymechanics.co.uk

Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are injuries which occur to our body’s soft tissues, such as our muscles, tendons, and the ligaments - our connective tissues. However, there is a difference between the two.

Sprains refer to an overstretching or tearing of ligaments which subsequently stress a joint - tissues that connect two bones together. Common examples are a sprained ankle or wrist

Strains refer to an overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons - tissues that connect a muscle to a bone. Common examples are the back or hamstring muscles

How do Sprains and Strains Occur?

Strains
Acute (immediate) injuries - tend to be caused by an overloading of the muscle or tendon during activity such as lifting, where the load is too heavy and/or lifted using incorrect technique
Chronic (occur over time) injuries - tend to result from repetitive movements where the muscle or tendon is put under strain frequently.

Sprains
Sprains tend to occur in highly mobile areas of the body, such as the knee, ankle, wrist or thumb and happen due to ‘landing’ awkwardly on uneven surfaces when pivoting, jumping, overextending or bracing yourself

Common Risk Factors

  • Exertion - pushing the body to perform beyond its limits, spontaneously or repeatedly
  • Fatigue
  • Incorrect equipment and/or technique
  • Uneven surfaces

Common symptoms are:

  • Pain and/or tenderness
  • Localised inflammation and swelling
  • Bruising
  • Tightness and tension in surrounding areas
  • Reduction in mobility and flexibility
  • Muscle and/or joint weakness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Symptoms alleviating during a short period of rest, but feeling worse after a mid to long period of inactivity
  • Sprains - ongoing susceptibility to recurring injury, due to ligaments becoming overstretched and loose, not returning to their former, shorter length or strength

Preventative Action:

Consult a Physical Therapist to receive bespoke rehab exercises.

  • Stretching - start off gently and gradually increase to help with mobility
  • Strengthening - build up strength in soft tissues gradually overtime to help with stability
  • Be Realistic - know your limits
  • Use Supports and Braces - only if necessary and try not to become reliant

Corrective Action:

  • Rest - stop activities that cause discomfort
  • Ice - use an ice pack or slush bath (ice and cold water) every 15 mins for the next 2-3 hours immediately after the injury
  • Compress - wrap the injured area moderately tightly to prevent any further swelling. An elasticated bandage or similar kind of wrap is ideal
  • Elevate - keep the injured area elevated higher than your heart to help prevent swelling. Using a sling or lying down using pillows to lift the injured area may be necessary.
  • Refer - if numbness is being experienced at all and/or if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, seek medical help

Begin to re-use the injured area after 48 hours if possible. If you can’t and/or unable to , seek medical help

Use a combination of the below to help relieve your symptoms:

Cold Therapy - a cold gel or cold pack can be used on the localised area to reduce any present inflammation

Heat Therapy - a heat lotion, gel or pack can be used on tight muscles around the injured area, not on, the injured area itself

Painkillers - over the counter medicines like ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) and paracetamol (compound analgesic/painkiller) can help reduce pain and increase comfort in the short term and as a temporary measure.

Physical Therapy - Physiotherapists and Sports Massage Therapists will all be able to help treat and sprains or strains, gradually increasing mobility and strength

Useful Equipment

All of the below equipment is available from our Partner Providers, Physique at 10% discount using the code: BODYMECHANICS

Physique Be Confident written logo in blue and red

Please always seek medical advice before engaging in any form of treatment or rehab.

If you have any questions or feedback about this article, please send them to enquiries@bodymechanics.co.uk