Sprains and strains are a pain!

Whether you have been involved in trauma such as a fall or an accident, or have overdone a new activity, you could suffer from a sprain or strain of your musculoskeletal system.

A strain is exactly what it sounds like: a muscle that has been stretched too far. It's common for people to strain the muscles in their backs, necks, or legs. Bones meet at joints, such as elbows, knees or shoulders; that's where your body bends and rotates. Strong, elastic bands of tissue called ligaments hold bones together in the joints. A sprain happens when those ligaments have been overstretched (mild sprain) or torn (severe sprain). Ankles, wrists, and knees sprain easily.

A strain can recuperate and replace muscle tissue with connective tissue, especially with larger strains. Unfortunately, a sprain scars over without the same cell type, and has a higher rate of re-tearing or re-injury. A musculoskeletal injury such as a strain or sprain is usually accompanied by edema or swelling. Edema is described as protein-rich fluid in between the muscle fibers where it should not be. It is essential that edema is controlled in the early stage of trauma for quick and early recovery. If the edema continues for a prolonged period of time, effusion can occur. Effusion is the escaping of fluid from the blood vessels into surrounding tissue, which is diffused and over a greater area versus localized to the injury site. Whether you suffer from edema - effusion or both - from a traumatic or repetitive injury, it is wise to seek medical advice.

Activity or exercise specific for the injured area can be beneficial, if done without pain. Call your physical therapist to give you specific dos and don'ts, depending on your post condition. A strain or sprain can remain for years if it goes untreated, never giving you the chance to recuperate properly.

Musculoskeletal injuries can be debilitating and overwhelming, initially and long after the edema subsides. Strains and sprains respond to ice packs, dry or moist heat packs to the region, and/or specific exercises with guidance, if necessary.

Give Pinnacle Physical Therapy a call today and let us help you! We have two locations: Post Falls (208) 777-4242 or Coeur d'Alene (208) 665-2000.