Chapter 1: Strains and Sprains Flashcards
What are Strains and Sprains?
Common musculoskeletal injuries that share similar signs and symptoms.
What is a Strain?
An injury to a muscle or tendon (the fibrous cord that attaches the bone to the muscle) due to overstretching of the muscle.
What are the common places where people experience a Strain?
Back, shoulder, hamstring and neck.
When does a Sprain happen?
When ligaments are torn or stretched beyond their normal limit.
What are another type of fibrous band that connects the bones?
Ligaments.
Where does a Sprain can happen?
Anywhere, but the number of bones in the legs, probability of an ankle sprain is extremely high.
What are the similar symptoms that Strains and Sprains share?
Severe pain, decreased range of motion and swelling.
Strains and Sprains are diagnosed by a physical exam including?
Questions about how the injury occurred.
What is usually performed to rule out any fracture?
An X-ray.
How can the majority of Strains and Sprains be treated?
At home using the RICER acronym.
What does the R in RICER acronym means?
Rest the injury area as much as possible, use assistive devices (crutches, canes, slings) to take the weight off an injured limb.
What does the I in RICER acronym means?
Ice the area for 48-72hrs (20min at a time) until the pain and swelling is reduced (patient can also be advised to use NSAIDs).
What does the C in RICER acronym means?
Compression of an ankle, knee or waist can reduce the swelling and provide support. Health care provider can give an ACE bandag, brace or splint to both compress and stabilize the area.
What does the E in RICER acronym means?
Elevation of the injured body part above heart level can help reduce the swelling and pain.
What does the R in RICER acronym means?
Referral to orthopedics is recommended if there’s still significant swelling and pain after 72hrs.
