How to Treat Sprains, Strains and Sport Injuries @ Oxford Sports Injury Clinic, Sprain, Strain, Oxford OSIC

Treating Sprains and Strains at the Oxford & Weybridge OSIC

Two of the most common causes of pain and reduced function are sprains, which occur to joints, and strains, which occur in muscles.

Sprains are injuries to the ligaments and capsule of a joint. A ligament sprain indicates that fibres within the ligament have been damaged. This damage can vary from a few fibres to a complete tear of the ligament. The amount of fibres damaged determines the grade and severity of the injury. Tissue damage will result in inflammation around the joint. This is characterised by localised pain, swelling and an increase in temperature and redness in the surrounding skin.

Strains refer to injuries to a muscle. A strain occurs when muscle fibres are torn, and the amount of fibres damaged determines the grade and severity of the injury. As a result, bleeding can occur into the muscle. This may be visible at the surface by the presence of bruising.

Initial medical management for both sprains and strains is identical:

The acronym PRICE is an easy way of helping you to remember the early stages of injury management.

PROTECTION means immediately stopping the activity, therefore preventing further injury.

REST mean avoiding excessive activity in the subsequent 48-72 hours.

ICE means the application of an ice pack to the affected area for ten minutes each hour where possible. (It is advisable NOT to place ice directly onto the skin as this may lead to a skin burn). Placing the ice pack in a damp towel before applying will prevent skin irritation.

COMPRESSION will help to reduce any swelling - this maybe done by the application of a compression bandage (e.g. Tubigrip).

ELEVATION whilst resting the affected limb, elevate it to help drain the fluid.

This management should be continued for 24-72 hours post injury and should be complimented with gentle movement of the affected area. Movement is important as it can prevent stiffness developing around the joint. If this management strategy hasn’t helped or if you are concerned about your injury it is important to seek a specialist’s opinion.

Poor management of an injury can often result in it’s recurrence and may potentially lead to other injuries occurring.

At the Oxford & Weybridge Sports Injury Clinics we are able to offer diagnosis, treatment and a management plan aimed at getting you safely back to sport in the shortest possible time.