Strain or sprain: Overview
A strain happens when you overstretch, or pull, a muscle. A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament, the tough tissue that connects one bone to another. These problems can happen when you exercise or lift something or when you are in an accident.
Rest and other home care can help strains and sprains heal.
The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.
Sprain
A sprain is an injury to the tough ropey fibers (ligaments) that connect bone to bone.
Symptoms of a sprain may be mild or severe, and they may sometimes be mistaken for a broken bone (fracture) because some injuries can cause a sprain and a fracture in the same area.
- First-degree sprains stretch the ligaments but do not tear them. You may have mild to moderate swelling and pain but the joint is stable, does not feel loose or wobbly, and you are able to move normally (although it is likely to be painful).
- Second-degree sprains partially tear the ligaments. You may hear or feel a pop or snap at the time of the injury. Moderate to severe pain and swelling may restrict your movement. The joint may look bruised and you may have mild to moderate joint instability.
- Third-degree sprains completely tear the ligaments. You will usually hear or feel a pop or snap at the time of the injury. Mild to severe pain, swelling, and bruising may be present. Symptoms are sometimes less with a complete tear than with a partial tear. Your joint will feel loose or wobbly and you may hear a grating sound when you try to move the joint. A bulge may appear at the site of a complete tear. Change of sensation, such as numbness or tingling, may be present.
Treatment for a sprain includes rest (immobilization), ice, compression, and elevation. While a minor sprain will often heal well with home treatment, a moderate to severe sprain may require medical evaluation and treatment with a cast or splint, physical therapy, medicine, or surgery. Recovery time for a sprain varies depending on a person's age and health and the location and severity of the sprain.
How can you care for a strain or sprain?
- If your doctor gave you a sling, splint, brace, or immobilizer, use it exactly as directed.
- Rest the strained or sprained area, and follow your doctor's advice about when you can be active again.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Keep your splint or brace dry.
- Prop up a sore arm or leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep it higher than the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do exercises as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.
- Return to your usual level of activity slowly.
- Do not do anything that makes the pain worse.
Strain or sprain: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe or increasing pain.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in the area.
- The area turns cold or changes color.
- Your cast or splint feels too tight.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot, such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- You cannot move the strained part of your body.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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