Joint Sprains and Muscle Strains
Two of the most common causes of pain and reduced function are muscle strains and joint sprains. These are often sustained during sport and exercise, but can also occur in every day situations, at home and in the workplace.
In cases of a muscle strain or a joint sprain, the initial medical management is similar. PRICE is the best way to remember the following steps:
Protection - Stop what you are doing to prevent further injury.
Rest - Avoid excessive activity for a few days.
Ice - Apply a towel covered ice pack to the area for 10 minutes every hour.
Compression - Help reduce the swelling by applying a compression bandage.
Elevation - When resting the affected limb, elevate it to help drain the fluid (ideally higher than your heart).
Continue this management for 24-72 hours and gently begin moving the affected limb. This is crucial to avoid stiffness developing and should involve gentle bending and straightening of the limb.
This management should aid the recovery process of straight forward strain or stpain, and now it is time to seek the treatment of a Physiotherapist. If however, your symptoms fail to settle or you are concerned about the injury, we advise you seek advice from your GP or one of our Specialist Sports Doctors.