Risk
factors
Factors contributing to sprains and strains include:
-
Poor
conditioning.
Lack of conditioning can leave your muscles weak and
more likely to sustain injury.
-
Fatigue.
Tired muscles
are less likely to provide good support for your
joints. When you're tired, you're also more likely
to make an awkward motion that could stress a joint
or overextend a muscle.
-
Improper
stretching and warm-up.
Properly warming up and stretching before vigorous
physical activity loosens your muscles and increases
joint range of motion, making the muscles less tight
and less prone to trauma and tears.
When
to seek medical advice
For a sprain, seek emergency medical care in the
following situations:
-
Popping sound.
You may hear a popping sound when your joint is
injured, and you can't use it or you have
considerable swelling. On the way to the doctor,
apply a cold pack.
-
Inability to
bear weight.
You're unable to
bear weight on a leg because of a feeling of
instability or pain.
-
Inflammation.
You have a fever, and the area is red and hot. You
may have an infection.
-
Severe sprain.
Inadequate or delayed treatment may cause long-term
joint damage or chronic pain.
For a strain, seek medical help immediately if the area
quickly becomes swollen and is intensely painful or if
you suspect a ruptured muscle or broken bone. Also call
your doctor if the pain, swelling and stiffness of less
severe strains don't improve much in two to three days.
