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Symptoms & Conditions > Adults' > Strains & Sprains >
Strains and Sprains

A strain is an injury of a muscle that has been stretched too far, too fast resulting in a tear of the muscle itself and the tissue that supports it. A strained or "pulled" muscle feels stiff and doesn't function well for the few days that it takes to recover.

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, usually caused by an extreme bend or twist of a joint such as a knee or ankle. Symptoms include immediate pain and possible swelling. A sprained ligament is painful to use and typically requires rest in order to heal.

Simple Treatment for strains and sprains:
  • Begin R.I.C.E. as soon as possible.

    Rest
    the involved area for 1 to 2 days
    Ice
    the injured area for 20-minute periods
    Compress
    the area with an elastic bandage
    Elevate
    to reduce swelling


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  • If needed, use an over-the-counter pain reliever.
  • Seek medical attention if the injury does not get better.
  • Begin simple range-of-motion exercise and heat after 2 days to help relieve pain and continue heating.
  • Rehabilitation before resuming regular activity helps to strengthen the injured area and may decrease the chance of reinjury.

Fast Fact
Prompt ice treatment speeds healing by 50%, allowing a patient to resume activity faster.


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