Causes and risk factors
Sprains can be caused due to fall or blow or a blunt injury by a joint force, trauma leading to overstretching or tear of ligament. Ligaments and tendons support the joint mobility. Strain is similar where there is pull or tear of muscle or tendon supporting the joints. Athletes, heavy gym workouts, obese are more prone for sprains and strains. Some people with nutritional deficiencies and poor posture maintainenece have tendency to sprain and strains.
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms with which the person can come up are acute excoriating pain around the joint with recent history of fall or trauma, swelling, inability to move. Bruising (bluishness) is also present. Person may complaints of ‘Pop, tear or snap’ like sound during injury around the joint affected.
Investigations:
The local examination of the affected area and the symptoms narrated by the patient are sufficient to diagnose the sprains and strains. However the physician can advise certain investigations like an X-ray to rule out fractures or MRI can be done to know the extent of injury to the ligaments and surrounding tissues.
Treatment:
Application of ice packs to the affected areas is advised. The affected part is immobilized and is supported with the help of brace or splints. Compressions with not very tight bandages will minimize the damage. Pain relieving medications are prescribed. After recovery which is about a week’s time stretching exercises and mobilization is advised. American association of orthopedic surgeons have given some tips to prevents sprains and strains like regular warm up, stretching exercise for athletes as per their sport activity, proper postural maintainenec, adequate comfortable foot wares to minimize trauma on ankles and heels are advised. Proper nutrition is advised may be taken to built up to the muscle strength. Regular exercises which will strength the muscles will help to prevent the injuries.
Recent updates:
A study carried was carried out in Britain in which 91 soccer players were evaluated. The study showed that of the most common injuries in soccer players are violent joint sprains and muscle strains in the legs, which are sometimes caused by anxiety and fatigue accumulated after several games in a few weeks.
