99 Sprains and Strains
Zoë Soon
- Definition of Sprains and Strains:
- Sprain: Ligament tear, often in joints.
- Strain: Muscle or tendon tear or stretch.
- Common Locations:
- Sprains: Knees, elbows, wrists, ankles.
- Strains: Hands, feet, knees, biceps, triceps, quadriceps, ankles, Achilles heel.
- Severity Levels:
- First degree: Mild, stretching of fibers.
- Second degree: Moderate, tearing of fibers.
- Third degree: Severe, complete tear.
- Healing Process:
- Inflammation, white blood cells, angiogenesis, collagen production, scar tissue formation.
- Recovery Time:
- 6 to 8 weeks for more complete healing.
- Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain, swelling, dislocation, weakness, decreased mobility.
- Risk Factors:
- Sports, overweight, age-related decrease in collagen elasticity.
- Diagnosis:
- MRI imaging.
- Prevention:
- Proper warm-up, gradual activity increase, avoid overuse or over-training.
- Treatment:
- PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for first 48 to 72 hours, alternate heat and cold, compression bracing, rehabilitation exercises focused on range of motion and stretching.
- Occupational Therapy:
- Identify ergonomic issues in the workplace to prevent re-injury.
- Medication:
- Anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling.
- Pain due to micro-tears in tendon, bleeding, inflammation
- Signs and symptoms: pain on movement
- Treatment: RICE, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, massage, rest
- Treatment: RICE, fluid aspiration, antibiotics for infection
- PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) can help manage symptoms and prevent excessive scar tissue formation.
- Arthroscopy allows surgeons to view and repair joint injuries, such as ligament tears or meniscus tears.
- Viewing scope and surgical instruments for repairing damaged tissue
- Arthography: X-ray or CT scan to view joint damage
- Radio-dense dye (iodine) for X-ray, MRI contrast medium for MRI
- Prevention: proper warm-up, technique, equipment, gradual activity increase