Sprains and Strains Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of sprains and strains?
A
- caused by excessive reaching, bending, lifting, gripping, squatting, or twisting of hands, shoulders or body
- caused by any work performed w/ high force, w/ many repetitions or in an awkward position
2
Q
What is a sprain?
A
- stretch or tear of a ligmanent (connects 2 or more bones at a jt), stretched too far from normal position
- 1 or more ligaments may be injured at same time
- MC: sprained ankle
3
Q
What is a strain?
A
- injury to muscle or tendon as a result of suddnely pulling them too far
- can be as simple as overstretching a muscle or tendon, or it can be a partial or complete tear
- MC: strained back
4
Q
Types of sprains and strains?
A
- back injuries, including pulled back muscles and ruptured discs
- compressed nerves causing severe pain, such as carpal tunnel in wrist or sciatic leg pain from back
- ligament sprains in upper body
- shoulder muscle sprains and dislocations
- abdominal hernias
- tendon injuries to the hands, forearms, and elbows (tennis elbow)
- ankle sprains and strains
5
Q
Where do sprains usually occur?
A
- MC site: the ankle
- frequentyl occur at the wrist
- sprain to thumb common in skiing and other sports
6
Q
Diff grades of sprains?
A
- 1: ligaments stretched or slightly torn
- 2: ligaments partially torn
- 3: ligaments completely torn, going to have max fxnl loss, and marked instability
7
Q
Where do strains usually occur?
A
- 2 common sites: back and hamstring muscle
- hand, forearm, elbow
8
Q
How do strains occur?
A
- carrying, holding or restraining items, people or animals
- lifting, pushing, holding or pulling loads
- working in a fixed position w/ back bent, sitting or standing continuously, or driving vehicles for long periods
- repetitive tasks such as reaching to lift or lower objects, or to grip tools continuously
- working in awkward positions involving bending or twisting your body to reach items
- vibrations through body like driving a truck or using a powered hand tool
9
Q
Jobs where strains fequently occur?
A
- construction
- agriculture
- trucking/transportation
- food services
- delivery services
- custodial services
10
Q
What are the signs and sxs of a sprain?
A
- pain, swelling, bruising, not being able to move the jt
11
Q
SIgns and sxs of a strain?
A
- pain, muscle spasms, muscle weakness, swelling, cramping, trouble moving the muscle
12
Q
1st stage tx for sprains and strains?
A
Want to reduce swelling and pain: NICER for 1st 24-48 hrs
- rest injured area
- ice injured area, 20 min at a time, 4-8x a day
- compress injured area, using bandages, casts, boots, elastic wraps or splints to help reduce swelling
- elevated injured area, above the level of the heart, to help decrease swelling while lying or sitting down
- if moderate sprain: may reqr use of mobility aids, such as cane, crutches, a walker or wheelchair
- if severe: may need surgery to repair torn ligaments, muscle or tendon
13
Q
Ottawa rules for ankle sprains?
A
- XR only reqd if there is any pain in the malleolar zone and any one of the following:
- bone tenderness along the distal 6 cm of the posterior edge of the tibia or tip of the medial malleolus, OR
- bone tenderness along distal 6 cm of posterior edge of the fibula or tip of lateral malleolus, OR
- an inability to bear wt both immediately and in ED for 4 steps
14
Q
2nd stage tx for sprains and strains - rehab?
A
- PT/exercise program: designed to help reduce swelling, prevent stiffness and restore normal, pain free ROM (during 1st week after injury)
- increase strength and flexibility (about 2nd wk after injury), usually more demanding exercises to improve fxn
- return to full daily activities, including sports if appropriate, must work closely w/ PT to avoid re-injury
15
Q
Time needed for full recovery for a sprain/strain?
A
- mild: 3-6 wks
- moderate: 2-3 months
- severe: 8-12 months
