Sprains and Strains

 Sprains and strains are very common injuries, especially in the world of athletics.  A sprain is an injury to a ligament in the body.  Ligaments are soft tissue structures that connect bone to bone with a function of adding stability to a joint.  A ligament is usually sprained by twisting a joint, falling, or any motion that moves the joint out of its regular position.  Common ligaments that are sprained are in the ankle and knee.  Most people are familiar with the ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) ligament in the knee, which when torn is usually repaired by surgery.

Strains are injuries that happen to a muscle or tendon (the cord like structure that attaches muscles to bones), when the muscle fibers or tendons are torn due to repetitive motions, or being overstretched.  Common injury sites for muscle or tendon strains are the hamstrings and back.

The symptoms for both ligament sprains and muscle/tendon strains are similar.  Both injuries, depending on severity, will elicit pain, inflammation and possible bruising over the injury site.  Depending on the location of the injury, the patient may also experience a reduction in the range of motion of the affected joint or muscle.  Sprains and strains are classified from grades I to III, with a grade I sprain or strain being a mild injury, grade II being a small or incomplete tear, and a grade three being a complete tear or rupture of the muscle, ligament or tendon.

Treatment for these types of injuries include the RICE concept (Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate) to control the pain and swelling of the affected area.  Once pain and swelling are reduced, a rehabilitation program can be started to regain range of motion in the joint and strength in the muscles. For grade II and III sprains and strains, x-rays and MRIs may be necessary to see the extent of the injury and to rule out fractures.  Sometimes surgery is needed to repair a torn ligament or tendon.

While treating more severe ligament sprains and muscle strains, it is possible that the athlete may be out for several weeks or even months.  It is important during this time of rehabilitating the injury, that overall fitness is maintained.  For instance, if an athlete strains their hamstrings, while they are actively rehabilitating that muscle/tendon group, they should be doing cardio workouts that do not affect the injured area (swimming, stationary bike, etc.) and doing upper body and core workouts to maintain fitness so when they return to play, they would not have a severe fitness deficit.  When returning to play, an athletic trainer may decide to protect the involved area with the use of braces, taping techniques or ACE bandages.

Aaron Armstrong, MPE, ATC

Athletic Trainer

Elite Sports Medicine Clinic at the Sports, Spine and Rehabilitation Centre
esmbahamas@gmail.com

^{Aaron Armstrong holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA in Athletic Training and has been a Board Certified Athletic Trainer since 2012.  He also earned a Master of Physical Education degree in Athletic Administration from Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID.}

Our certified sports medicine team can help prevent and treat injuries to keep you performing at your best.