Uppermill Pharmacist IAN STRACHAN examines: Sprains and strains
SPRAINS AND strains are injuries affecting both muscles and ligaments. Ligaments are bands of tissue connecting one bone to another and so help to keep the skeleton stable and together.
Both sprains and strains are associated with pain, swelling and tenderness. Sprains are typically painful around the affected joint, often difficult to place weight on and with bruising.
Swelling from a sprain arises soon after injury and bruising may be some distance from the affected joint. Sprains can be mild to complete rupture of the ligament.
Muscle strains are also painful, with swelling, bruising and even muscle spasms. They can range from mild with normal function to third degree strains where the muscle is split or torn away from its tendon, leading to complete loss of function.
CAUSES
The main causes are sporting activities and accidents involving falls, collisions, or landing awkwardly. They are most likely when over-reaching, changing direction abruptly or sudden acceleration and slowing down. People new to sport are often more vulnerable as muscles are not use to the physical demands involved.
What is our susceptibility to injury influenced by?
General condition: Lack of exercise makes us less flexible and more prone to injury.
Fatigue: When muscles are tired they are less likely to give support to joints, leading to stresses and the over-extension of joints
Inadequate work up: Exercise helps loosen muscles and improve your range of movement but a lack of a work up can lead to ligament injuries.
TREATMENT
Most mild sprains and strains can be treated through self-care and the help of your pharmacist. The following is a useful way to recall the best course of action:
PROTECTION to the injured area from further injury using support
REST: stop activities that caused the original injury and rest the muscle or joint. Avoid activity for 48-72 hours following injury.
ICE: for first 48-72 hours apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the injured area for 15-20mins every two to three hours. Do not apply over night or allow ice direct contact with the skin to avoid cold burn.
COMPRESSION: Bandage the injured area to limit swelling and movement. Bandages should be wrapped snugly but not so tightly they restrict blood flow.
ELEVATION: Keep the injured area raised and supported.
For the first 72 hours of either a sprain or muscle strain you should avoid HARM:
HEAT: including from hot baths, saunas and heat packs.
ALCOHOL: This increases bleeding and swelling so reducing healing.
RUNNING: or any form of exercise that could cause further damage.
MASSAGE: Which can increase bleeding and swelling.
I would recommend sufferers of sprains to continue moving the joints although ankle sprains generally respond better to rest.
PAIN RELIEF
Paracetamol is my painkiller of choice although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may help swelling and inflammation. A word of caution – NSAIDs should only be considered 48 hours following injury as they can alter the healing process.
Gels creams and ointments are also available but in all cases discuss suitability with your pharmacist.
I would recommend referral to your GP for any sprain or strain that does not improve or leads to difficulty walking, increased pain or swelling.
Finally the recovery phase will depend upon severity, although sprains generally respond to walking after one to two weeks following injury.
Next month: I’ll examine chilblains and circulation
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