Sprain, Strain & Joint Pain Treatment

What are sprains, pain & joint pain?

Sprains, strains, and joint pain are common musculoskeletal issues, falling under the broader category of "musculoskeletal injuries" or "soft-tissue injuries." While sprains and strains may appear similar, a crucial distinction sets them apart. Sprains involve damage to ligaments, which are the connective tissues between bones, while strains entail damage to muscles and tendons, connecting muscle to bone.

Symptoms of a sprain

Typical symptoms associated with sprains include:

  • Bruising

  • Sensation or audible sound of a pop during a ligament sprain

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Impaired joint mobility

Symptoms of a strain

Strains can be painful, especially when muscles undergo spasms. After experiencing an acute strain, which occurs immediately after an injury or physical trauma, you may observe a firm lump beneath the skin at the site of muscle spasm. Additional symptoms may encompass:

  • Pain

  • Swelling

  • Limited muscle movement

  • Formation of a lump beneath the skin where muscle spasm occurs

What causes a sprain?

Sprains occur when a ligament experiences tearing or stretching. Ligaments play a crucial role in connecting bones at joints and can be compromised due to incidents like falls or impacts. Common causes of sprains encompass:

  • Falls, particularly with an outstretched hand

  • Injuries resulting from over-extension

  • Actions involving twisting or pivoting

What causes a strain?

Strains transpire when muscles or tendons, the connective tissues linking muscles to bones, undergo stretching or tearing. Some strains manifest suddenly, often in the context of sports or physical activities. Acute strains are usually the outcome of incidents like falls, twists, or blows to the body.

Strains can also develop gradually over time, typically due to repetitive stress or overuse. Individuals at an elevated risk for repetitive stress injuries or strains encompass:

  • Individuals engaged in prolonged computer use

  • Workers in fields like mining or electrical work

  • Anyone engaged in tasks that entail prolonged and repetitive motions

What causes joint pain?

Joint pain can be attributed to various factors, including injuries, trauma, overuse, and inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Joint pain can be classified into three primary categories:

  • Arthritis, characterized by joint inflammation and stiffness

  • Bursitis, marked by the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs within various joints

  • Dislocations

Common sport injuries Cohen Care can treat:

Sports injuries are commonly sustained during physical activity or while participating in sports. Whether you're a professional athlete or a casual fitness enthusiast, these injuries can impede your engagement in your chosen activities. Fortunately, most sports injuries are treatable and often preventable. Some prevalent sports injuries encompass:

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Ankle sprains

  • Groin pulls (strains)

  • Knee injuries

  • Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

  • Rolled ankles

  • Shin splints

  • Sprained fingers or thumbs

  • Tennis elbow (epicondylitis)

How Are Sprains, Strains, and Joint Pain Managed?

The cornerstone of treating sprains, strains, and joint pain is the RICE method, an acronym that signifies:

  • Rest: Reducing daily activities and refraining from regular exercise for a few days.

  • Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 20-minute intervals multiple times daily.

  • Compression: Wrapping the area to minimize swelling.

  • Elevation: Elevating the affected area above heart level to reduce swelling.