Sprains, strains, and fractures are all painful types of injuries. Sprains occur at joints and involve the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are fibrous connective tissues that hold together two bones. The ankle, wrist, knee, thumb, and back are the most frequent locations where sprains can happen. Strains, on the other hand, are a result of muscles and tendons being stretched out and torn. The most commonly affect the hamstring muscle in the upper leg or muscles in the lower back. Tendons are also made of fibrous connective tissues, but they join bones to muscles. Fractures are not related to injuries in tissues, but instead are breaks within the bone. The leading causes of fractures are auto accidents, falls, or sports-related trauma. Conditions that result in the weakening of the bones such as osteoporosis can be a predisposing factor for injury-related fractures.

After an accident or an incident where trauma is sustained, you need to determine whether medical attention is needed. If there are minimal signs and symptoms of swelling or inflammation and movement of the traumatized area is only associated with minor pain, without signs of discoloration, healing may take place at home. However, if you have difficulty walking, standing, and moving the wounded area, or experience sensations of numbness or tingling. In addition, if there is any doubt about the type or severity of the injury or if symptoms persist or worsen without professional medical attention, it is always best to see a doctor. After physicians perform a physical exam, x-rays may be recommended to determine the type of injury.

If a less severe sprain or strain is suspected or has been diagnosed, the treatment usually includes following these procedures:

• Rest and avoid using the joint or area of injury.
• Apply ice on top of the swollen or inflamed soft tissues, ensuring the ice is wrapped or contained within a cloth or a towel. Leave the ice on the affected area for 20 minutes and then take it off for another 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure often in the first 2 days after the traumatic occurrence.
• Compress the injury with a bandage or tape to reduce the swelling and inflammation.
• Elevate the injured joint above the level of the heart, if possible. This may require you to lie down if the injury is located in the lower part of the body.
If a fracture has been identified:
• Splints may be applied to keep the bone stationary
• Braces may be used to provide bone support
• Plaster casts can be placed externally to stabilize the bone during healing
• A traction is an option utilized for cases where tissues surrounding the fracture have to be aligned

More severe strains, sprains, and fractures may need surgical repairs to heal the traumatized ligaments, tendons, and muscles. For fractures, steel pins and rods may have to be inserted to stabilize the bone and facilitate healing. In some cases, physiotherapy may be advised to help increase strength and mobility in the injured area.

The type and severity of the sprain, strain, and fracture determine the healing time. Younger patients tend to heal faster. Less severe strains or sprains may only need 2-3 days up to a week to heal and allow for regular activity to resume. More serious Strains and sprains may take longer to heal to a point where normal activity is possible. For fractures, New bone can be laid down as fast as several weeks. Function and use can resume for an injured area in a few months, depending on where the fracture is located, which bone is involved, and the overall health of the patient.

If you need to know more about sprain and strain, then you should book an appointment right away with our team of leading healthcare professionals today at Urgent Medical Care in Plymouth MI and Bloomfield MI. We are open 7 days a week and we also accept walk-ins. We serve patients from Plymouth MI, Bloomfield Hills MI, Livonia MI, Novi MI, Worden MI, Canton MI, Southfield MI, Troy MI, Farmington Hills MI, and surrounding areas!