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.

Reviewed January 2009

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Related HealthInsite Topics

Occupational Overuse Syndrome
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to resources about occupational overuse syndrome.

32 Resources Found
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Title:   Shin pain (shin splints) - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Shin pain or shin splints encompasses a few specific conditions causing pain down the shin or along the inside of the lower leg.
Date:   Sep 2009

Title:   Stretching: an illustrated guide - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Stretching exercises encourage lengthening of your muscles and their associated tendons, and oppose the shortening and tightening of muscles that can occur immediately after vigorous exercise, and as a product of ageing and inactivity.
Date:   Aug 2009

Title:   Tennis elbow - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where the outside portion of the elbow becomes painful.
Date:   Aug 2009

Title:   Calf strain or tear - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Calf strain or tear is caused by overstretching or tearing of either of the 2 calf muscles.
Date:   Aug 2009

Title:   Ankle sprain - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Ankle sprain is damage to the ankle ligaments caused by a single sudden incident.
Date:   Aug 2009

Title:   Ankle injury
Publisher:   Department of Health Western Australia
Description:   Diagnostic imaging algorithm for patients at risk of an ankle injury following trauma. The guideline incorporates the validated Ottawa Ankle Rules.
Date:   Aug 2009

Title:   Groin strain - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Groin strain commonly involves a partial tear of the adductor muscles of the inner thigh.
Date:   Jul 2009

Title:   Hamstring muscle strain
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Anyone who watches sports or plays sports knows that a 'pulled hamstring' is a common injury for athletes such as footballers, basketballers and runners.
Date:   Jul 2009

Title:   First aid - broken bones
Publisher:   Child and Youth Health - CYH (South Australia)
Description:   Bones are living things so if they are broken they will leak out blood into the surrounding tissue. Fractures are painful.
Date:   Jun 2009

Title:   Muscular aches and pains - myDr.com.au
Publisher:   myDr
Description:   Muscular aches and pains may be caused by overuse or unaccustomed use of muscles.
Date:   Jun 2009

Title:   Lawn bowls - preventing injury
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Lawn bowls is good exercise and social activity, but injuries can occur. 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:   Mar 2009

Title:   Canoeing and kayaking - preventing injury
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Canoeing and kayaking injuries may include strains, sprains, impact injuries, sunburn, heat stress, dehydration, hypothermia or drowning. Preparation and the right equipment, including helmets and a life jacket, can minimise the risks.
Date:   Mar 2009

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:   Feb 2009

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:   Feb 2009

Title:   Martial arts - preventing injury
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   The risk of injury from martial arts is low compared to other contact sports. Different forms of martial arts include karate, kung fu, ju jitsu, kickboxing, judo and tae kwon do. Most injuries are to the limbs and are usually mild to moderate, for example bruises or cuts.
Date:   Dec 2008

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:   Dec 2008

Title:   Ankle sprains
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. Treatment for a sprained ankle may include rest, icepacks, and exercises. Ankle sprains are common in sports that require running, jumping or a change of direction, such as basketball and netball.
Date:   Dec 2008

Title:   Foot orthoses
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Foot orthoses or orthotic devices are specially designed shoe inserts that help support the feet, improve foot posture and correct any imbalances. Some foot problems that can be treated with orthoses include corns and calluses, foot ulceration, tendonitis and recurrent ankle sprain. Athletes may also wear orthoses to help correct any foot problems that could hinder their performance. A podiatrist can help make and fit foot orthoses.
Date:   Sep 2008

Title:   Exercise - injury prevention
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   To prevent injury during exercise or physical activity, follow some easy tips. Wear appropriate protective gear, use correct techniques, get adequate hydration (water) and sun protection, and exercise 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:   Workplace safety - manual handling injuries
Publisher:   Better Health Channel
Description:   Manual handling is a common cause of injury in the workplace. 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 2008
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