Sprains & Strains

Question 1

What is a sprain?

Answer 1

Stretching or tearing of ligaments

Question 2

What is a strain?

Answer 2

Stretching or tearing of tendons and muscles

Question 3

What are the common joints affected by a sprain or a strain?

Answer 3

• Back
• Thumb
• Wrist
• Knee
• Ankle

Question 4

What are the main causes of sprains and strains?

Answer 4

• Athletic activities or exercise, including running or jogging
• Accidents such as falling or slipping
• Lifting heavy objects
• Overexertig yourself
• itting or standing in an awkward position
• Prolonged repeptitive motion

Question 5

What are the common symptoms of a sprain?

Answer 5

• Pain in the area of the sprain or strain
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Limited flexibiilty
• Difficulty using the affected joints full ROM
• Bruising

Question 6

What are the common symptoms of a strain?

Answer 6

• Pain in the area
• Limited range of movement
• Swelling
• Difficulty using the joints full ROM
• Muscle spasm
• Limited flexibility

Question 7

How should a sprain or strain be investigated?

Answer 7

• Clinical diagnosis
• Physical exam of the affected joint
• X ray
  
  • Rule out fracture
  • Ottawa rules

Question 8

What are the ottawa rules for ankle, foot, knee and wrist injuries?

Answer 8

Following an ankle injury, if there is pain in the malleolar zone, and one of the following:

• Inability to bear weight (walk four steps) immediately after the injury and when examined.
• Bone tenderness along the distal 6 cm of the posterior edge of the fibula or tip of the lateral malleolus.
• Bone tenderness along the distal 6 cm of the posterior edge of the tibia or tip of the medial malleolus.

Following a foot injury, if there is pain in the midfoot zone, and one of the following:

• Inability to bear weight (walk four steps) immediately after the injury and when examined.
• Bone tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal.
• Bone tenderness of the navicular bone.

Following a knee injury, if there is one or more of the following:

• Inability to bear weight (walk four steps) at the time of injury and when examined.
• The person is aged 55 years or more.
• Tenderness at the head of the fibula.
• Isolated tenderness of the patella.
• Inability to flex the knee to 90 degrees.

An X-ray is also recommended:

• Following a wrist injury, if there is pain or tenderness over the scaphoid bone (palpate at the base of the anatomical snuff box).

Question 9

Outline how a sprain/strain should be managed correctly?

Answer 9

• RICE
  
  • Rest - no weight bearing
  • Ice - reduce the swelling and inflammation
  • Compression - helps to reduce the swelling
  • Elevation - above the level of the heart to reduce swelling
• Avoid HARM
  
  • Heat
  • Alcohol
  • Running
  • Massage
• Surgery
• Analgesia
• Physiotherapy

Question 10

What are the possible complications of a sprain/strain?

Answer 10

• Joint dislocation
• Structural instabilites
• Ruptured muscle
• Cartilage injuries
• Reoccuring swelling