Sprains and Strains

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Common areas are the ankle and wrist, and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and being unable to move the joint.

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon, which is tissue that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain, which can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common, and a lot of people get strains playing sports. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling and trouble moving the muscle.

Follow the links below to find information about sprains and strains.

Created October 2007

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Occupational Overuse Syndrome
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31 Resources Found
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Title:   Exercise - injury prevention
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   There is a risk of injury with any type of exercise, but the benefits of physical activity far outweigh the risks. Some things you can do to prevent injury include wearing appropriate protective gear, using correct techniques, making sure you have adequate hydration and sun protection, and exercising on well-prepared surfaces. Warming up and cooling down may help reduce muscle soreness. Avoid exercise when in pain or fatigued.
Date:   Aug 2008
Title:   Canoeing and kayaking - preventing injury
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Canoeing and kayaking activities include paddling along rivers or on lakes, battling white water rapids or sea surf, sprint racing or competing in marathons. Injuries may include strains, sprains, impact injuries, sunburn, heat stress, dehydration, hypothermia or (rarely) drowning.
Date:   Feb 2008
Title:   Lawn bowls - preventing injury
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Lawn bowls is ranked the fifth most popular sport and physical activity in Australia. More than three quarters of players are over 55 years of age, and falls are the most frequent cause of injury. Other injuries that may occur include overexertion, fractures, strains and sprains.
Date:   Feb 2008
Title:   Elbow - common causes of pain
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   The most common type of elbow pain is known as 'tennis elbow'. 'Golfer's elbow' is a less common but similar injury. Overuse of the elbow joint causes small tears to form in the soft tissue, particularly where the tendon anchors to bone. These injuries can occur as a result of a variety of sports and occupations.
Date:   Jan 2008
Title:   Knee injuries
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Common knee injuries include ligament, tendon and cartilage tears, and patello-femoral pain syndrome. Prompt medical attention for any knee injury increases the chances of a full recovery. Treatment options include physiotherapy, arthroscopic surgery and open surgery.
Date:   Jan 2008
Title:   Bruises and sprains
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Anyone who is rushing about doing heaps of things can bang into something if they are in too much of a rush. so kids often have bruises in many colours.
Date:   Jan 2008
Title:   Martial arts - preventing injury
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   The risk of injury from martial arts is low compared to other contact sports. Most injuries are to the limbs and are usually mild to moderate, for example bruises or cuts.
Date:   Nov 2007
Title:   Ankle sprains
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. A sudden jolt or twist can overstretch and tear the supporting ligaments of the joint, causing pain and swelling. Treatment options include rest, icepacks, and exercises to increase strength and mobility.
Date:   Oct 2007
Title:   Abdominal muscles
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   The abdominal muscles support the trunk, allow movement and hold organs in place by regulating internal abdominal pressure. Common conditions of these muscles include strains and hernia.
Date:   Sep 2007
Title:   Workplace safety - manual handling injuries
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Manual handling causes one in three injuries to Australian workers. Attention to posture and lifting technique can help, but research indicates that changing workplace design is the most effective way of preventing injuries. Organisations such as the Victorian WorkCover Authority can offer information and advice.
Date:   Aug 2007
Title:   Tennis elbow
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where the outside portion of the elbow becomes painful.
Date:   Jun 2007
Title:   Exercise for treating anterior cruciate ligament injuries in combination with collateral ligament and meniscal damage of the knee in adults
Publisher:   John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. for The Cochrane Collaboration
Description:   The anterior cruciate ligament of the knee provides stability of the lower leg bone (tibia) relative to the thigh bone (femur) and guides knee extension. Injury to this ligament, and the supporting ligaments (collaterals) and shock absorbers (menisci) i...
Date:   May 2007
Title:   Sprains and strains
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Sprains and strains are two types of soft tissue injury. A sprain is a joint injury, characterised by tearing of the ligaments and capsule. A strain is an injury to muscle or tendons. First aid includes rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Date:   Feb 2007
Title:   Surgical versus conservative treatment for acute injuries of the lateral ligament complex of the ankle in adults
Publisher:   John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. for The Cochrane Collaboration
Description:   Ankle sprain is one of the commonest musculoskeletal injuries in active people. It generally involves damage to the lateral or outer ligaments, which connect bones together on the outside of the ankle joint. Treatment is usually either immobilisation of...
Date:   Feb 2007
Title:   Calf strain or tear
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Calf strain or tear is caused by overstretching or tearing of either of the 2 calf muscles.
Date:   Sep 2006
Title:   Ankle sprain
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Ankle sprain is damage to the ankle ligaments caused by a single sudden incident.
Date:   Sep 2006
Title:   Shin pain (shin splints)
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Shin pain or shin splints encompasses a few specific conditions that cause pain down the shin or along the inside of the lower leg.
Date:   Sep 2006
Title:   Groin strain
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Groin strain commonly involves a partial tear of the muscles of the inner thigh.
Date:   Sep 2006
Title:   Foot orthoses
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Foot orthoses are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet and correct any imbalances. Some foot problems that can be successfully treated with orthoses include corns and calluses, foot ulceration, tendonitis and recurrent ankle sprain.
Date:   Aug 2006
Title:   Muscular aches and pains
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Muscular aches and pains may be caused by overuse or unaccustomed use of muscles.
Date:   Jul 2006
Results 1 to 20 displayed.
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