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June 5, 2018

Sprains and Strains: Sports Injuries You Don’t Want to Ignore

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Sprains and Strains: Sports Injuries You Don’t Want to Just Ignore

June is one of the most beautiful months of the year in New England, not to mention the perfect time to get outside and be active. It’s a runner’s paradise—not too hot, not too cool—and tailor-fit for hiking, biking, tennis and other outdoor activities. Along with June, however, always comes an influx of injuries across all of our ConvenientMD locations, with sprains and strains topping the list.

These types of injuries may slow you down, but they don’t have to ruin your summer if treated promptly and effectively.


 

What are Sprains and Strains?

Sprains and strains are common injuries amongst both children and adults. While similar to one another, each actually involves a different part of the body. Sprains occur when tough, fibrous ligament tissue in the joints is torn, such as in the ankle. A strain, on the other hand, involves stretching or tearing of either muscles or tendons. These are common in the lower back, as well as in the hamstrings.

Both types of injuries can range in severity from mild (small tears or overstretching) to severe, in which case a complete tear may result. Sprains and strains require medical attention to ensure minimal healing time.


 

How Do Sprains/Strains Occur?

Any type of physical activity can lead to sprains or strains, although certain scenarios are more common than others. Sprains, for example, often occur when a patient has fallen or experienced a sudden, unexpected twist in the body. In these cases, joints are moved out of their regular places, which usually means an overstretched ligament. Anyone who has ever fallen and landed on an outstretched arm knows all too well just how painful a sprain can be.

With strains, muscles or tendons are pulled due to trauma, improper lifting or prolonged repetitive movements. They’re especially common in contact sports, although any form of activity may result in a strain. While sprains can be painful, strains can be especially difficult to deal with for sensitive patients—especially those that are severe in nature.


 

How are Sprains and Strains Treated?

For all types of sprains and strains, treatment begins with bringing down swelling and addressing pain in the patient. RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) treatment is often recommended, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to help decrease inflammation and alleviate pain. Sprains and strains that are moderate-to-severe may be treated with a splint, although surgery may be necessary if ligaments, tendons or muscles have been completely torn.

A period of physical rehabilitation may need to follow for those who have suffered a particularly bad sprain or strain.

Feel Better Today at ConvenientMD!

At ConvenientMD, we treat sprains and strains of all kinds—especially throughout the summer months. No one wants to deal with debilitating pain, and if you’ve been injured, it’s important that a treating provider evaluate your injury as opposed to hoping it simply heals on its own. All of our locations are equipped with knowledgeable staff and the resources necessary for treating even the peskiest sprains and strains—we’ll have you up and going again in no time.

Ready to get back on your feet? Just stop into any ConvenientMD location today—there’s never a need to make an appointment.