Strains & Sprains

Overview

What Are Strains & Sprains?

A strain is when a muscle or tendon (tissue that attaches muscle to bone) is stretched too far. A strain is sometimes called a "pulled muscle." Depending on the level of muscle strain, it may heal within a few weeks, but reinjury can happen.

A sprain is when ligaments (bands of tissue that hold bone to bone at the joints) stretch too far or tear. A sprain can take 4–6 weeks to heal or sometimes longer.

Top Things to Know

• Strains and sprains are injuries that happen when muscles, tendons, or ligaments are stretched or torn.
• Kids with a strain or sprain may have pain, swelling, bruising, weakness, or trouble moving the injured area.
• Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, and sometimes a splint, cast, or physical therapy.
• Strains and sprains usually heal well, but it is important to allow enough time for recovery before returning to sports.

Signs & Symptoms

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Strains & Sprains?

Strains and sprains can cause:

• pain, either at the time of injury or later
• tenderness in the soft tissue, usually close to the bone
• swelling
• bruising
• muscle spasms
• weakness or pain when using or moving the injured area

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call the doctor if your child has any of the above symptoms. Strains and sprains can cause symptoms similar to those of more serious injuries.

Get medical help right away if your child is getting worse, has numbness or severe pain, or cannot put any weight on the affected area.

Causes

What Causes Strains & Sprains?

Strains can happen when someone puts a lot of pressure on a muscle, such as when lifting a heavy object. They usually happen when someone is active, contracting, stretching, or working a body part. They're more likely when a person hasn't warmed up first to get blood circulating to the muscles. Strains are common when athletes return to a sport after the off-season. They often affect the muscles in their backs, necks, or legs.

Sprains are caused by injuries, such as twisting an ankle or knee.They're common in sports, but can happen any time. They are more common in older kids and teens than in younger kids.

Diagnosis

How Are Strains & Sprains Diagnosed?

To diagnose strains and sprains, doctors:

• ask questions about the injured body part
• do an exam, observing range of motion and doing strength tests

Depending on the injury, the doctor may order an X-ray or other imaging study to see if there are other injuries, such as a broken bone. Ultrasounds can sometimes diagnose a minor tear.

Treatment & Care

How Are Strains & Sprains Treated?

Treatment for strains and sprains usually includes:

• rest for a few days to protect the injury and start getting better (A doctor, physical therapist, or trainer can usually help figure out when it's time to get the injured area moving again.)
• treatments to help with swelling you can do right away, such as:
  • ice wrapped in a towel placed on the area for about 20 minutes every 1–2 hours
  • an elastic bandage wrapped around the area for compression or a compression sleeve
  • raising the injured area above the level of the heart
  • wrapping or splinting the injured part of the body to keep it still for a few days
• strengthening exercises, especially movements that lengthen muscles
• pain medicine for no more than one week

Doctors may treat some strains and sprains with a splint or temporary cast.

Can Kids With a Sprain or Strain Play Sports?

A child or teen who has a sprain or strain probably needs to take some time off from sports until:

• the swelling goes down
• playing the sport does not cause pain
• the doctor says it's OK
• they can play without a limp
• they can fully move the injured area
• they’re back to full strength

What Else Should I Know?

Strains and sprains usually heal without any lasting problems. Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions so the injury heals as quickly as possible.

To avoid strains and sprains, remind young athletes to do a good warm-up before activity. They can try jogging, high knees, butt kicks, and active stretching. After activity, remind them to do some static stretching (holding each stretch for 30 seconds or longer).

After a strain or sprain, a coach, personal trainer, doctor, or physical therapist can teach your child how to do strengthening exercises to help with recovery and lower the risk of reinjury.