FACT SHEET – Musculoskeletal Service
Sprains and Strains
Information for patients
Sprain
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, usually as a result
of excessive force being applied to a joint. The role
of ligaments is to help support bones by keeping
them connected and stable. The most common type
of sprain is the ankle, but can occur at any joint.
Strain
A strain is when muscle tissue is torn or over stretched. This commonly happens if a
muscle is stretched too much or forced to shorten too quickly.
Signs and Symptoms
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Swelling and bruising
Pain
Joint giving way / excessive movement
Weakness
Loss of movement in the affected body part
Immediate management 0 - 48 hours after Injury
This is aimed at minimising bleeding, swelling and pain.
The POLICE Principle
P
OL
I
C
E
Protection
Optimal Loading
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Protection
Protect the injured area from further damage or harm – for example, taping the joint,
using crutches to limit weight bearing, or by using a sling to limit the use of your arm.
Optimal Loading
Stop the activity that caused the injury, and rest the injured joint or muscle for the
first 48 after the initial injury. After this initial period, start gently moving the injured
joint/muscle and begin to use it normally again.
Ice
Ice helps control bleeding, swelling and reduces pain.
DO NOT use ice:
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if you have circulation problems
over areas of numbness
Apply ice wrapped in a damp tea towel to injured area. In the first 24 hours it can be
used for 5-10 minutes every hour. Over the next 24 - 48 hours, it can be applied for
15 minutes, every 2 hours and 48 - 72 hours, it can be applied for 15 minutes, 3
times a day. Check your skin for ice burn after 5 minutes. Remove ice if this is
happening – your skin would turn white instead of pink if the ice was burning it.
Compression
Compress or bandage the injured area to help limit any swelling. Use a crepe
bandage, a simple elastic bandage, or an elasticated tubular bandage. It should be
wrapped snugly above, over and below the swollen area but should not be too tight.
Remove the bandage when icing the area and before you go to sleep.
Elevation
Keep the injured area raised to help reduce swelling. If you have swelling in the
forearm/hand for hand and elbow should be higher than your shoulder. If you have
swelling in the knee/calf/foot your foot should be higher than your hip. Try to elevate
the injured part as much as possible.
Management of a Sprain or Strain after 48 hours
Movement should replace rest at this stage. Once you are improving, gradually
increase your activity levels within the limits of pain. However, you should not play
sport or do vigorous exercise involving the strained/sprained area for 3-4 weeks after
an injury.
If your pain and swelling do not begin to resolve in 24 to 48 hours or your
symptoms get worse, such as increased pain or swelling, consult your doctor,
local Minor Injuries Unit or Accident & Emergency Department.
Further Information
You may find the following links useful in managing your sprain/strain;
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sprains/Pages/Treatment.aspx
If you would like to contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) please telephone 01278
432022 or email [email protected]
Headquarters:
Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
2nd Floor, Mallard Court, Express Park,
Bristol Road, Bridgw ater TA6 4RN
Tel: 01278 432 000 Fax: 01278 432 099
Email: [email protected]
Web: w ww.sompar.nhs.uk
Date Issued: December 2016
Review Date: December 2018
Author: Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Version: 3