A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Common areas are the ankle and wrist, and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and being unable to move the joint.

Tendonitis is where the tendons become inflamed, usually resulting from a strain, trauma or excessive exercise.

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon, which is tissue that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain, which can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common, and a lot of people get strains playing sports. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling and trouble moving the muscle.

Signs & Symptoms:

Sprains, which affect joints, and strains which affect muscles, usually occur after an accident.

For a sprain:

• pain in the joint
• swelling of a joint
• difficulty moving a joint

For a strain:

• sharp pain at injury, followed by stiffness, tenderness, and in some cases, swelling

Medication:

• Pain relievers can help reduce pain and swelling
• Anti-inflammatory creams, gels and sprays wil help reduce pain and swelling.  Avoid heat rubs and liniments for the first 48 hours.
• Do not use pain relievers or local anaesthetic sprays to relieve pain in order to continue to exercise with an injury

Treatment:

• Rest and support the ijured part to stop further damage
• Ice the injury until the area becomes numb or the skin becomes pink (20 minutes)
• Compression - apply a firm compression bandage to help the swelling go dowhn.
• Elevation - if possible, keep the injured part above the level of the heart to help reduce the swelling.
• Refer to your doctor or physiotherapist for advice and ongoing care

Recovering from Injury

• Make sure injury is healed fully before returning to full exercise
• Have a sports first aid kit on hand
• Avoid drinking alcohol

Preventing Injury

• Wear the correct footwear and clothing
• Keep flexible
• Warm up prior to sport or vigorous activities

Info Code: SPRBJ9CD6