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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 connects 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 December 2011
Related HealthInsite Topics
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to resources about occupational overuse syndrome.
Systematic Reviews of Treatments for Sprains and Strains
HealthInsite Topic Page
Links to systematic reviews of the evidence for the effectiveness of treatments for sprains and strains.
28 Resources Found
Results 1 to 20 displayed. 1 2
| Title: | Exercise - injury prevention |
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| 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 to reduce muscle soreness. Avoid exercise when in pain or fatigued. |
| Date: | Sep 2011 |
| Title: | Workplace safety - manual handling injuries |
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| 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 WorkSafe Victoria can offer information and advice. |
| Date: | Sep 2011 |
| Title: | Canoeing and kayaking - preventing injury |
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| 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: | Jun 2011 |
| 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: | May 2011 |
| 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: | May 2011 |
| Title: | Lawn bowls - preventing injury |
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| 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: | May 2011 |
| 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: | Apr 2011 |
| Title: | Bruises |
|---|---|
| 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: | Apr 2011 |
| Title: | Office ergonomics: tips for preventing muscle strain |
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| Publisher: | Virtual Medical Centre.com |
| Description: | Muscle strain in the office has many contributors, such as the small repetitive movements used when operating a computer workstation. Here are some tips on preventing muscle strain in your office. |
| Date: | Mar 2011 |
| 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: | Feb 2011 |
| Title: | Sprains and strains |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Better Health Channel |
| Description: | Sprains and strains are two types of soft tissue injury or damage. A sprain is a joint injury that involves tearing of the ligaments and joint capsule. A strain is an injury to muscle or tendons. First aid includes rest, ice, compression with bandages and elevation (RICE). |
| Date: | Oct 2010 |
| Title: | Abdominal muscles |
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| 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: | Aug 2010 |
| Title: | Strains and sprains: self-care - myDr.com.au |
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| Publisher: | myDr |
| Description: | Strains and sprains, or soft tissue injuries, are common through playing sports and in everyday life. Find out what products are available for strains and sprains. |
| Date: | Feb 2010 |
| Title: | Groin strain |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Virtual Medical Centre.com |
| Description: | Groin strain is a term used to describe an injury to one of the muscles or tendons located within the groin region of the inner thigh. |
| Date: | Dec 2009 |
| 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: | Dec 2009 |
| 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 |
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| 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 |
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| 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 |
Results 1 to 20 displayed. 1 2
