The skilled experts at Swift Institute routinely treat sprains. We proudly serve residents of Reno, Sparks, and Carson City and we’ll be glad to do whatever we can to help restore function and mobility to your joints so that you can regain your quality of life.
What is a sprain?
A “sprain” is another way to refer to a stretched or torn ligament (sprains are different than strains, which affect the muscles and tendons). Our ligaments are responsible for connecting our bones, providing stability to our joints, and limiting how far our bones can move. A sprain occurs when a ligament is forced to move too far out of place, often when the joint suddenly bends or twists. The ankle and wrist are two of the most commonly sprained joints in the body — ankle sprains frequently occur when someone is walking on an uneven surface, while wrist sprains often occur when someone falls onto an outstretched hand.
What are the symptoms of a sprain?
In some cases, you may be able to feel or even hear a “pop” when a sprain occurs. Sprains can also cause the following symptoms, which may vary depending on the severity of the injury:
- Bruising
- Difficulty moving the affected joint
- Pain
- Swelling
How are sprains treated?
Patients are often able to relieve their symptoms by taking pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, applying ice packs, and resting the joint. Other commonly used conservative remedies for sprains include:
- Bracing
- Compression
- Elevation
- Physical therapy
In some cases, such as when a ligament is completely torn, surgery may be necessary. Our experts will let you know which course of treatment is best suited to your specific needs.
What is a strain?
You’ve probably heard of sprains, which refer to stretched or torn ligaments (the fibrous tissues that hold bones together). Strains are a little bit different. Instead of torn ligaments, they involve stretched or torn muscles or tendons (the tissues that connect bones to muscles). Muscles and tendons can overstretch or tear when they’re twisted or pulled too far. Strains frequently occur when someone performs the same motion over and over, especially if it involves heavy lifting. They’re also common in contact sports such as football and hockey.
What are the symptoms of a strain?
Strains can cause a wide array of unpleasant symptoms, which may range from mild to severe depending on the extent of the injury. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty moving the affected body part
- Muscle spasms
- Pain
- Swelling
- Weakness
How are strains treated?
Many people can find relief from the symptoms of a strain by using conservative techniques like compression, elevation, icing, pain medication, and rest. In more severe cases, however, it may be necessary to see a doctor for further treatment. Depending on the injury, a doctor might recommend bracing, physical therapy, or even surgery.
