Sprain – usually happens around a joint

Symptoms

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limited movement around joint
• Can’t put weight on joint or use it normally
• Feeling of popping when injured

Causes

• Walking or running on uneven surface
• Twisting or pivoting suddenly
• Falling and landing on joint
• Injuries from contact sports

Treatment

• RICE:
  • Rest: stop exercise or physical activity and don’t put weight on affected area
  • Ice: put ice on injury for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  • Compression: wrap affected area with bandage
  • Elevation: keep injury above chest level if possible
• Medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling

When to see Doctor

• Pain and swelling gets worse over time
• Pain and swelling doesn’t improve with home treatment
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty walking or standing without pain
• Limited movement or flexibility around affected area
• Numbness around affected area

 

Strain

Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness
• Swelling bruising
• Muscle spasms or cramping
• Muscle weakness
• Limited movement

Causes

• Lifting a heavy object
• running, jumping, or throwing
• Slipping or falling

Treatment

• RICE:
  • Rest: stop exercise or physical activity and don’t put weight on affected area
  • Ice: put ice on injury for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  • Compression: wrap affected area with bandage
  • Elevation: keep injury above chest level if possible
• Medications such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen can reduce pain and swelling

When to see a doctor

• Pain and swelling gets worse over time
• Pain and swelling doesn’t improve with home treatment
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty walking or standing without pain
• Limited movement or flexibility around affected area
• Numbness around affected area