Understanding the basics of sprains, strains and breaks

If you’ve fallen or sustained an injury, you may find yourself wondering if you’ve got a sprain, a strain or even a broken bone. Here’s what you need to know to assess the situation.

Sprains and Strains 

The most common symptoms of a sprain or strain are pain, swelling, stiffness and decreased mobility or function. “Sprains are injuries to ligaments, while injuries to a muscle or tendon are strains,” said Marc Barnett, MD. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are two different types of injuries. The most common sprains occur in the ankle, wrist and thumb; the most common sites for strains include the groin, calf and hamstring.

Depending on the severity of the injury, soft tissue injuries like these can be slow to heal. “People think, ‘I just sprained it and it will be OK soon,’ but it can take several weeks to heal, six to eight weeks or even more,” said Dr. Barnett. Getting prompt medical assessment and treatment is critical for improvement.

Breaks and Fractures

Contrary to popular belief, a broken bone and a fracture are not different. “A break and a fracture are the same thing, one is not more severe,” explains Dr. Barnett. The most common symptoms of a broken bone include: swelling or bruising around the bone, deformity of the limb and/or bone protruding from the skin, pain in the injured area that increases when it is moved or when pressure is applied, and reduced function in the affected area.

The risk of fracture has a connection to age. Broken bones are common in childhood and then become frequent again as adults age and their bones become more brittle. If you or someone you know sustains an injury that appears to be a fracture, it is important to seek medical attention.

Common Causes

Falls are one of the most common causes of soft tissue injuries and fractures. According to Dr. Barnett, in the Greater Asheville area there are two primary populations he sees most often: outdoor enthusiasts and the elderly. He frequently sees patients with injuries resulting from hiking, biking, mountain climbing and even working in the yard.  

The elderly population is particularly prone to sprains and fractures resulting from slips and falls. Barnett’s patients report injuries from circumstances such as: falling when getting up in the middle of the night, tripping over phone cords or furniture and not using a walker or cane when they should. n    

Expert Advice:

RICE

If you’ve sustained a soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), begin “RICE” therapy—Rest, Ice, Compression
and Elevation—immediately and then consult a physician, advises Marc Barnett, MD.  He also suggests taking Tylenol® or Advil® for pain if you are able.

• Rest the affected area. If it’s your ankle or foot, stay off your feet and avoid putting weight on the area. 

• Ice the injury for 10-15
  minute intervals. Be careful
  not to place ice directly on your skin, instead use a towel or thin cloth for protection.

• Compress the area by
  wrapping it with an elastic bandage—but not too tightly.

• Elevate the injured area above heart level.

Marc Barnett, MD specializes in orthopaedics at Asheville Orthopaedic Associates, an affiliate of
Mission Health.

If you are in need of an orthopaedic specialist, call Asheville Orthopaedic Associates at (828) 252-7331 or go to mission-health.org/physician-directory.