Many activities or accidents can lead to various types of injuries to your tendons, muscles, and ligaments. These injuries can totally incapacitate you from doing your normal day-to-day activities, or work. Sprains, strains need to be treated because the injury may be more severe than realized.

The Injuries

Injuries such as strains and sprains occur when the body, or a body part, moves in a way that is out of the normal position. Sprained ankles are most common, and strains can also occur through repetitive motion. The pain from both types of injury can range from mild to severe – depending on the severity of it.

Both of this type of injury are similar. The symptoms are also similar.

  • Sprains – This injury occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. A ligament is a tough band of tissue that connects two bones at a joint.
  • Strains – This type of injury occurs when a muscle or tendon gets stretched or torn.

Symptoms of Sprains

When you have a sprain, you can expect there to be some pain and swelling. If there is swelling, it may not be noticeable for several hours. In addition to these symptoms, there will also be:

  • There may have been a “pop” when the injury occurred
  • Limited ability to move the joint

Symptoms of Strains

A strain will also have pain and swelling. In addition, you can also expect:

  • A limited ability to move the muscle
  • Muscle spasms.

Common Causes of Strains and Sprains

Many activities can cause an injury of this type. Although they are common, there are certain types of activities that will more likely cause this type of injury. They include:

  • Exercising
  • Athletic activities
  • Repetitive motions
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Accidents (falling or slipping)

When to See a Doctor

Many sprains, strains can be treated at home. Just to be sure that it is not more than a sprain or strain, seeing a doctor can help ensure that there is no further damage.

Diagnosis

When you go to see a doctor, a physical exam will be given of the area that has been injured. If a broken bone is thought possible, the doctor may order an x-ray. In order to look at muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, the doctor may also need a CT scan or MRI.

In most cases, a mild to moderate sprain or strain will heal within two weeks or less. Protecting the joint or muscle while it heals is very important. If the pain or other issues continue after two weeks, you should see a doctor for further evaluation.

Treatment for More Severe Injuries

A more severe injury, such as torn ligaments or muscles will likely require surgery. This will need to be followed by not using the limb or joint that has been affected for some time – usually followed by physical therapy.

The Silver Star Urgent Care clinic treats sprains, strains, and other injuries. It has an x-ray machine on the premises, as well as other diagnostic equipment. All of the doctors are Board-certified and some have worked in emergency rooms at hospitals. Walk-ins are welcome, and the clinic is open from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm seven days a week.

Contact info

228 Beach 20th Street Far Rockaway, NY 11691

(516) 750-0252

info@SilverStarUrgentCare.com