Types of Injury

Sprain A sprain is when the ligaments in and/or around a joint are stretched or torn. Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another.

Strain A strain is when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. Commonly, a strain is called a ‘pulled muscle.'

Dislocation A dislocation is when the ends of your bones are forced from their normal position.

Break A break is a bone injury that occurs when bones cannot withstand outside forces. Breaks are also called fractures or cracks.

Symptoms

Sprains and strains vary in severity as do the signs and symptoms. There will often be some swelling and maybe even discoloration. Bearing weight or using the affected joint is painful and may result in the person feeling unsteady when trying to walk if the injury is to an ankle or knee. With a more severe injury, the pain and swelling experienced will be much greater.

Dislocated joints may appear deformed or out of place, may be swollen, discolored, intensely painful, immovable, and tingling or numbness may be experienced near the injury.

Broken bones can result from a sudden impact like a fall or as the result of an overuse injury (stress fracture) and result in pain and swelling. Pain from a break can be caused when the nerve endings surrounding the bone becoming irritated, the bone bleeds and there is associated swelling, and the muscles near the break go into spasm when trying to hold the bone in place.

Treatment

Many injuries are minor and can be treated successfully at home with a simple plan such as RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). If after several days of RICE therapy no relief is felt, consult a physician for further evaluation. If at the time of injury a popping sound is heard, the injured joint is unable to be used or bear weight without feelings of instability or pain; there is fever higher than 100 degrees F and the area is red and hot; or if a torn muscle, dislocation, or break is suspected, seek medical treatment as quickly as possible. Apply ice to the injury on the way to the doctor’s office or emergency care facility.

Severe injuries or breaks often require immobilizing the joint with a sling or cast. Occasionally, surgery may be needed. Also, physical therapy may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the joint and to learn proper movement of the joint to lessen the risk of re-injury.

If a child or teen frequently mentions nagging pain in the same area even when no obvious injury has occurred, it is best to have him/her seen by a physician.

Resuming Activity

As a general rule, activity can be resumed when pain and swelling has stopped, range of motion is restored, muscles around the joint have been strengthened to add support, and normal movement like walking without a limp has returned.

Preventing Injury

While not all injuries can be prevented, the risk of injury can be reduced by strengthening muscles using proper techniques, stretching properly before and after activities, proper use of any equipment, and wearing attire appropriate for the activity, such as athletic shoes in good condition.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons