A sprain is defined as an injury to a ligament at a joint. A strain is defined as an injury to muscle. Usually caused by sudden wrenching movements, the joint overstretches, tearing the surrounding muscle or ligament.

Minor fractures are commonly mistaken for sprains and strains. If you are not sure, you should treat the injury as if it was a fracture. The only way to rule out a fracture is by x-ray.

Treatment of Sprains and Strains

The best treatment for a sprain or strain is to follow the RICE mnemonic:

Rest

Rest the injury. e.g. don’t allow a sports player to carry on playing
(it’s better to take time out now than miss the next ten matches!).

Ice

Apply an ice pack to the injury as soon as possible. This will help reduce swelling, which will speed recovery. Place a tea towel or triangular bandage between the skin and the ice pack. Do this for 10 minutes, every 2 hours, for 24 hours for maximum effect.

Compression

Apply a firm (not constrictive) bandage to the injured area. This helps to reduce swelling. The bandage can be applied over a crushed ice pack for the first 10 minutes.

Elevation

Elevate the injury. This also reduces swelling.

Remember: minor fractures can easily be mistaken for sprains and strains. The only way to rule out a fracture is by x-ray, so take or send the casualty to hospital.

CAUTION: To prevent frostbite always wrap the ice pack in a cloth and apply it for a maximum of 10 minutes. Allow the skin to return to normal temperature before repeat applications.