Sports injuries are some of the most common injuries, including bruises, sprains, strains, and, in severe cases, fractures. Unfortunately, these can also occur while you're engaged in daily household activities or simply while climbing stairs or walking. In such circumstances, it is important to get immediate attention and to identify the kind of injury you have experienced. Many people confuse sprains, strains, and fractures with one another, leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate, ineffective treatments. In this article, we break down these three most common injuries and help you understand the difference.
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What Is A Sprain?
A sprain occurs when ligaments, the tough bands connecting bones at a joint, are stretched or torn. This can happen during activities, like climbing down the stairs or while playing, that involve sudden twists or falls, says Dr Ashutosh Jha, Orthopaedic, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad.
Sprains are generally less serious than fractures and typically heal within a few weeks with rest, ice, and compression.
According to StatPearls Publishing, ankle sprains are the most frequent injury sustained in sports.
What Is A Strain?
A strain, on the other hand, involves muscles or tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones. It occurs when these tissues are pulled or torn, often due to overuse or repetitive movements.
Sharing an example, Dr Jha says that athletes like fast bowlers, who make forceful throwing motions, are prone to hamstring strains.
While strains can be painful and limit mobility, they usually heal within weeks with proper care.
What Is A Fracture?
The most serious form of injury is a fracture, which means a complete or partial break in a bone.
According to the MSD Manual, fractures usually result from injuries or overuse. Symptoms often include bruises, pain, swelling, and distorted, bent, or out-of-place bones.
As per Dr Jha, healing from a fracture can take several months and may involve medication, physical therapy, or even surgery in severe cases.
Treatment Approaches
Sprains, strains, and fractures all require some form of treatment. However, the treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury.
According to a study published in the Journal of Athletic Training, the RICE principle is said to be the most effective treatment for sprains. It stands for 'Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation,' which is said to reduce inflammation.
Resting the injured joint allows for healing, while ice application reduces inflammation and pain. Compression with an elastic bandage helps minimise swelling, and elevation promotes the drainage of fluids from the injured area.
Strains typically follow a similar treatment approach as sprains. Depending on the severity of the strain, physical therapy may be recommended to strengthen the affected muscles and improve flexibility. Moreover, gentle stretching exercises can also be incorporated as the injury heals.
Fractures require the most extensive treatment plan. Once the diagnosis has been made with the help of an X-ray, a healthcare provider will set the bone fragments in the correct position. This might involve a cast, splint, or even surgery for more complex fractures.
Due to the high intensity of pain during this time, pain medications play a vital role in managing discomfort.
Additionally, a person may be advised to undergo physical therapy, which is crucial for regaining strength, mobility, and full function in the affected area.
Bottomline
While sprains, strains, and fractures can all lead to pain and discomfort, they’re all different conditions and may require a separate set of treatments and therapies for a faster recovery. Of the three, fractures are the most difficult to heal and require proper and timely management. People who lack physical fitness, those into athletics, and individuals with a high BMI should be more cautious as they’re more prone to injuries.