Sprains, Strains, and Contusions

Sprains

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support a joint. It usually involves a sudden dislocation, with the bone slipping back into place on its own. Sprains are caused by the violent pulling or twisting of the joint beyond its normal limits of movement.

The joints that are most frequently sprained are the ankle, wrist, knee, and finger.

Tearing of the ligaments is the most serious aspect of a sprain, and there is a considerable amount of damage to the blood vessels. When the blood vessels are damaged, blood may escape into the joint, causing pain and swelling.

If you suspect a sprain, do the following:

1. Splint to support the joint and put the ligaments at rest. Gently loosen the splint if it becomes so tight that it interferes with circulation.
2. Elevate & rest the joint to help reduce the pain and swelling.
3. Apply ice or cold packs, with cloth to prevent damage to the skin, the first 24 hours, then apply warm compresses to increase circulation.
4. Request medical assistance as soon as possible.

Treat all sprains as fractures until ruled out by x-rays.

Strains

A strain is caused by the forcible over-stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. They are caused by lifting heavy loads, sudden or violent movements, or by any action that pulls the muscles beyond their normal limits.

Symptoms are: pain, lameness, stiffness, swelling, and discoloration.

If you suspect a strain, do the following:

1. Elevate & rest the injured area to help reduce the pain and swelling.
2. Apply ice or cold packs, with cloth to prevent damage to the skin, the first 24 hours, then apply warm compresses to increase circulation.
3. Request medical assistance as soon as possible.

Treat all strains as fractures until ruled out by x-rays.

Contusions (Bruising)

A contusion (bruise) is an injury that causes bleeding into or beneath the skin, but it does not break the skin.

Symptoms are: pain, tenderness, swelling, and discoloration. At first, the injured area is red due to local irritation; as time passes the characteristic "black and blue" mark appears.

Several days after the injury, the skin becomes yellow or green in color. Usually, minor contusions do not require treatment.

If you suspect a contusion, do the following:

1. Elevate & rest the injured area to help reduce the pain and swelling.
2. Apply ice or cold packs, with cloth to prevent damage to the skin, the first 24 hours, then apply warm compresses to increase circulation.
3. Request medical assistance as soon as possible.