Sprains/Strains/Tendinitis

The terms sprain and strain are typically used interchangeably to describe common musculoskeletal injuries that occur around the joints as a result of a variety of activities. Common causes include improper lifting techniques, repetitive movements at work, home or school and traumatic injuries (e.g., abrupt falls with twisting or pivoting movements, etc.).

Sprain/Strain Symptoms

The common symptoms of sprains and strains are similar, which is how they are so easily confused.

• Sprain

  • Bruising
  • Pain around the injured joint
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Limited flexibility and range of motion due to pain

• Strain

  • Muscle spasms
  • Pain around the injured joint
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Limited flexibility and range of motion due to pain

The major difference with the symptoms is that there is bruising around the injured joint on a sprain, and with a strain, muscle spasms occur.

Sprains and Strains Are Different Injuries

A sprain is an over-stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments. Ligaments are crisscross bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones together and stabilize joints.

Sprains are classified as:

• Grade 1 (mild): slight over-stretching and a little damage to the ligament fibers.
• Grade 2 (moderate): partial tearing of the ligament with abnormal looseness (laxity) in the joint when moved in certain ways.
• Grade 3 (severe): Complete ligament tear, which causes severe instability and makes the joint nonfunctional.

A strain is an over-stretch or tear to a muscle or tendon. Tendons are dense fibrous connective cords of tissue that attach muscles to bones or structures and initiate movement.

Treatment for Sprains and Strains

Directly after a sprain or strain, control the swelling with RICE for 24 to 48 hours:

• Rest the injured joint/extremity and use a sling for an arm or shoulder injury or crutches for a leg or foot injury.
• Ice for 20 minutes every hour.
• Compress with an elastic Ace bandage or brace for an ankle or knee, a splint for an injured finger or buddy-taping for an injured toe.
• Elevate above the heart, if possible.

An over-the-counter acetaminophen, such as Tylenol®, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as Advil®, may help with reducing the swelling and pain/ pressure relief. After this home treatment, be sure to have the injury evaluated by your doctor to rule out a fracture or a severe sprain or strain.

Most mild sprains and strains heal with a few days to a week. Seeing a physical therapist can also help you regain range of motion. Your physical therapist can also show you injury prevention techniques to help prevent future sprains and strains.

If your symptoms don’t improve within a couple of days, or you experience any of the following, see your doctor to have it immediately evaluated:

• An audible “popping” sound with the injury
• Pain and swelling that gets worse over time
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty standing or walking without pain
• Limited flexibility and range of movement around the injured joint
• Numbness or tingling
• Joint/extremity deformity or signs of instability

Moderate sprains and strains may require bracing for a period of time, followed by physical therapy to help regain normal function and range of motion. Severe sprains and strains may require surgery to repair the tear, followed by physical therapy to rehabilitate the injury.

psule into two pieces. Severe pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of function are associated with a grade III sprain. As with grade III strains, orthopaedic intervention/surgical repair may be necessary.

Tendinitis and Bursitis: Understanding the Conditions and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Tendinitis and bursitis are two common conditions that affect the tendons and bursae in our body. These conditions can cause pain, inflammation, and limited range of motion, making it difficult to perform everyday activities.

We will share more about what tendinitis and bursitis are, how they start, and how physical therapy can help in managing these conditions.

What is Tendinitis?

Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is a fibrous cord that attaches muscles to bones. It can occur in any tendon of the body but is most common in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and ankle.

Repetitive motions, overuse, and poor posture are common causes of tendinitis.

Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited mobility of the affected joint.

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones, tendons, and muscles. It can occur in any bursa of the body but is most common in the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee.

Like tendinitis, repetitive motions, overuse, and trauma are common causes of bursitis.

Symptoms are similar to the above and may include pain, swelling, and limited mobility of the affected joint.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy can help with the management of tendinitis and bursitis by reducing pain and inflammation, improving range of motion, and restoring function.

We will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan that may include the following techniques:

1. Exercise Therapy – We may prescribe exercises to help strengthen the affected muscle, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion.
2. Manual Therapy – This technique involves hands-on manipulation of the affected area to reduce pain, inflammation, and improve mobility.
3. Modalities – We may use various modalities such as ice or heat therapy, laser therapy, shock wave therapy, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
4. Education – we will share

Let Us Help You Heal

If you are experiencing pain, swelling, or limited range of motion in any joint, consult with a physical therapist for an evaluation. Early intervention can help prevent further damage and improve your quality of life.

Contact Us Today to Schedule an Appointment and Start Your Journey To Recovery.
Call (248) 349-9339