Strains and Sprains
Muscle strains and ligament sprains often occur due to acute injuries involving sports and recreation. Strains occur when muscles are overstretched or overloaded. Sprains occur when a joint moves into an unnatural position and stretches the ligament that connects two bones.
Symptoms of strains/sprains:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Redness or bruising
- Tender to touch
- Popping sound at time of injury
- Inability to weight bear
- Weakness
Most strains and sprains heal within 6-8 weeks with appropriate management. Rehab includes temporary rest from sports and recreation, elevation and compression, activity modification, exercise, soft tissue work, dry needling, manual therapy, and taping or bracing.