Whether you’re a teen playing high school sports, an adult who is an avid runner or a senior who plays weekly doubles tennis, chances are that at some point, you’ll experience the discomfort of an occasional sprain and strain – the most common injury sustained in sports today, reports the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
Many people think of sprains and strains as the same injury. They’re similar, but distinct. Here’s the difference.
A sprain occurs when you overstretch or tear a ligament. For example, step awkwardly off the curb and land on the side of your feet and chances are you’ll sprain your ankle. Jump down from break wall at the beach onto a sidewalk and you can twist and sprain your knee. Or try to break your fall by stretching out your arm and chances are you’ll sprain your wrist or shoulder.
When you sprain something, it means that you’ve injured one or more ligaments, the fibrous band of connective tissue that connects the bones and stabilizes the joint. Overstretching or tearing a ligament puts pressure on the joint and can force it out of alignment.
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Just like ligaments connect the bones, the tendons connect the muscles to the bones. Overstretching or the opposite, contracting a muscle or tendon, can cause injury. Chronic overuse and repetitive movement, perhaps caused by intensive training, can set up a repetitive injury cycle.
Who’s at risk for sprains and strains?
Just about everyone, but especially athletes. RICE or rest, ice, compression and elevation are typically the first line of defense prescribed by the physician. Anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication can also help reduce swelling and decrease discomfort.
But a severe sprain or strain may require medical treatment. If the pain and swelling continue after initial treatment with RICE, call your doctor. You may need X-rays, more intensive treatment or even physical therapy to help strengthen and rebuild the injured tissues.
Prevention Tips
It’s not always possible to prevent a sprain or strain if you’ve an avid athlete. But NIAMS (The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease) offers these prevention tips: 1. Wear appropriate shoes for the sport and make sure they fit well. 2. Warm up and stretch before intensive exercise. 3. Run on flat surfaces. 4. Stop exercising when you’re tired or in pain.
Want to know more about orthopedic-related injuries? Go to www.kaganortho.com/learn-more.
