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Injuries: Musculoskeletal & Physical Trauma

Sprain and strain

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It can be difficult to tell whether an injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain. If in doubt, always treat as a fracture. 

Signs and symptoms

Sprain 

  • intense pain 
  • restricted movement of the injured joint 
  • rapid development of swelling and bruising


Strain 

  • sharp, sudden pain in the region of the injury 
  • usually loss of power 
  • muscle tenderness 

What to do

  1. Follow DRSABCD. 
  2. Follow RICE:
    • Rest – rest the patient and the injured part
    • Ice – apply an ice pack or cold pack for 15 minutes every 2 hours for 24 hours, then for 15 minutes every 4 hours for 24 hours
    Compression – apply a compression bandage firmly to extend well beyond the injury
    • Elevation – elevate the injured part.
  3. Avoid HARM:
    • Heat
    • Alcohol
    • Running or other exercise of the injured area
    • Massage.
  4. Seek medical aid.