Sprains
Most sprains and strains can bemanaged at home using over-the-counter painkillersto ease any pain.
If the injury is minor, you can look after yourself by using "PRICE therapy" and "avoiding HARM". These aredescribed below.
PRICE stands for:
For the first 72 hours after a sprain or muscle strain, you should avoid HARM. This means you should avoid:
Most healthcare professionals recommend you don't stop using a sprained joint. The injury will heal quicker if you begin to move the joint as soon as you're able to do so without experiencing significant pain.
Your doctor may be able to teach you a number of exercises that will help you improve the joint's functionality.
If you have a severe ankle sprain, you may be advised not to use it for a while, or even have it put into a cast for a week or so.
Depending on your injury, the advice for muscle strains can vary. You may be advised to keep your injured muscle still for the first few days. Your doctor may recommend using a brace, cast or splint to help keep it as still as possible.
The aim of immobilising the muscle is to allow it to start healing, so you can move it without tearing or pulling it again in the same place. After a few days, you'll probably be advised to start using the muscle again.
Paracetamol is usually recommended for painful sprains or strains. If it doesn't help, you may need an additional stronger painkiller such ascodeine that's only available on prescription.
Your GP may also prescribea non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) cream or gel, such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen, to help treat pain. Gently apply the cream or gel to the injured area and wash your hands immediately afterwards.
Ketoprofen can make your skin sensitive to light (photophobia). You should avoid exposing treated areas of skin to direct sunlight or artificial sources of light, such as sunlamps or sun beds, during treatment and for two weeks afterwards.
Oral NSAIDs ,such as ibuprofen tablets, can also helpreduce swelling and inflammation. However,they shouldn't be used in the first 48 hours after the injury because they may delay healing.
For more severe injuries,particularly muscle strains, your doctor may consider referring you for physiotherapy .
Physiotherapy aims to restore movement and function to an injured area of the body. The physiotherapist may show you exercises to help improve the range of motion and return normal function to the injured area.
Thismay reduceyourrisk of experiencing long-term problems orinjuring the area again.
The length of time it takes to recover from a sprain or strain depends on how severe it is.
Generally, after an ankle sprain you'll probably be able to walka week or two after the injury. You may be able to use your ankle fully after sixto eightweeks, and you'll probably be able to return to sporting activities after eight to 12 weeks.
For muscle strains, the time it can take to recover canvary considerably. Some people recover within afew weeks, whereas others may not be able to return to their normal activities for severalmonths.
Some people may experience continued problems, such as pain, intermittent swelling or instability, for months, or even years, after the original sprain or strain.
Contact your GP if your injury doesn't improve as expected or your symptoms get worse. They may consider referring you to an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment and treatment.
Read about the symptoms and common causes of sprains and strains, plus self care advice and when to seek medical help.
Find out what causes sprains and strains. They often occur while playing sports when you over-reach, change direction or speed suddenly or fall and land awkwardly.
Find out how sprains and strains are diagnosed. Your doctor will ask how you injured yourself and examine the affected area. An X-ray may be needed in certain situations.
Read about treatments for sprains and strains. Mild to moderate injuries can often be treated at home using self care techniques, such as bandaging, rest and painkillers.
Information and advice about how to prevent sprains and strains.