Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are among the most common sports injuries. A sprain is a stretch and / or tear of a ligament. Ligaments stabilize and support joints, enabling people to walk and run. A strain is an injury of a muscle and / or tendon. Tendons attach muscles to bone.

Pain, bruising, swelling, and inflammation are common symptoms of sprains. The individual will usually feel a tear or pop in the joint. RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is a common sprain treatment. It is important, however, in all but mild cases that an orthopedic medical doctor on our staff evaluates the injury to establish a sprain treatment plan.

Muscle strains are most common in the thigh, groin, and hamstring. Muscle strains are graded according to their severity. A grade 1 strain is mild and usually heals readily; a grade 3 strain is a complete tear of the muscle that may take months to heal.