Sprains & Strains

Our Approach

While you can treat most sprains and strains at home, some need extra care. At Franciscan Health, our doctors and rehabilitation specialists treat severe sprains and strains.

What's the difference between a sprain and a strain?

Strains and sprains are two different injuries:

• Sprain: A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. A ligament is the band of connective tissue that joins the end of one bone to another. Ligaments are the muscle-like tissue that hold your bones together and allow them to move.
• Strain: A strain is a pulled or torn muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscles to bone). Stretching, pulling or overuse of a muscle or tendon can lead to a strain.

Treating sprains

Most mild sprains heal within two to three weeks. If a sprain causes severe pain and swelling, you should see a doctor. You may need X-rays or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Your doctor may recommend medications to help with pain and swelling. It's possible you will need surgery or rehabilitation for a severe sprain.

You can treat many sprains yourself with the RICE method:

• Rest
• Ice on the affected area to reduce swelling
• Compression (wrap the area with an elastic bandage)
• Elevation (keep the injured area above the heart to reduce swelling)

Treating strains

Most pulled muscles and tendons heal within a few days or weeks. Severe strains might take months to heal and you may need to see a doctor. You can usually treat a strain yourself. You can try:

• Ice at first to reduce swelling
• Heating pad a few days later to help with pain and circulation
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or aspirin)
• Massage
• Splinting
• A crutch or cane to keep weight off the area

Severe strains

You may need physical therapy or surgery for a severe strain. See a doctor if you have:

• More than one week of pain
• Numbness in the affected area
• Bleeding from the injury
• Inability to walk or move your limb

What causes sprains and strains?

Ligaments can stretch or tear from a fall or impact during exercise, sports or other physical activity. Twisting the ligament may also cause sprains. Your ankles, knees and wrists are most vulnerable to sprains. Some people also experience sprains in their backs and shoulders.

Strains occur because of overstretching or overuse during exercise or normal activities. Sudden, quick lifting or twisting can also cause a strain. Many people experience a pulled muscle or tendon in the back, neck and legs. Athletes and people who are overweight are more likely to experience strains.

Signs of a sprain or strain

Signs of a sprain include:

• Tenderness and pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Trouble moving the affected joint or limb

Signs of a strain include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Cramping
• Muscle spasms
• Loss of strength
• Bruising