What are the main symptoms of a pulled foot muscle. How can you treat a muscle strain at home. When should you see a doctor for a foot injury. What are the differences between sprains and strains. How long does recovery from a foot muscle strain typically take.

Understanding Foot and Ankle Muscle Strains

A pulled muscle, also known as a muscle strain, occurs when a muscle is torn or overstretched. While muscle strains can happen anywhere in the body, they are particularly common in the feet, lower back, and neck. The feet contain numerous tendons and muscles, all of which can become strained through overuse or improper use.

Foot and ankle muscle strains can cause significant discomfort and make walking difficult. While moderate strains can often be treated at home, more severe cases may require professional medical attention.

Can You Actually Pull a Muscle in Your Foot?

Yes, it is indeed possible to pull a muscle in your foot. The foot contains multiple muscles and tendons that can become strained or torn due to various factors such as overexertion, sudden movements, or lack of proper warm-up before physical activities.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Pulled Foot Muscle

Identifying a pulled muscle in your foot is crucial for proper treatment. The main symptoms of a foot muscle strain include:

• Limited range of motion
• Pain in the affected area
• Swelling or redness
• Muscle spasms
• Soreness or tenderness
• Weakness in the foot
• Tightness when walking

In mild to moderate cases, you may still be able to walk, albeit with some discomfort. These symptoms typically subside within a week. However, severe strains can significantly limit your mobility and may take several months to heal completely.

Common Causes of Foot Muscle Strains

Understanding the causes of foot muscle strains can help prevent future injuries. Acute muscle strains often occur suddenly due to:

• Muscle fatigue
• Lack of proper warm-up before exercise
• Poor muscle flexibility
• Overuse of the muscles
• Sudden trauma or injury

Contrary to popular belief, foot muscle strains are not limited to athletes or those engaging in rigorous exercise. Even everyday activities can lead to a pulled muscle in your foot, such as:

• Jumping
• Losing your footing
• Lifting heavy weights
• Running
• Lifting objects from an awkward position

Interestingly, foot muscle strains are more common during colder months. This is because muscles tend to be stiffer in lower temperatures, emphasizing the importance of thorough warm-ups before physical activity in winter.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Foot Injury

While many foot muscle strains can be treated at home, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. You should consult a doctor if:

• There is bleeding from the injury site
• Pain persists for more than a week
• The injured area feels numb
• Your range of motion is severely limited
• You’re unable to move your leg, even slightly

When you visit a foot specialist, they will conduct a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as MRI scans or X-rays to determine the severity of your injury. Treatment options may include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to restore movement. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

Treatment and Recovery for Foot Muscle Strains

The recovery time for a foot or ankle muscle strain varies depending on the severity of the injury. For moderate strains, you may be able to resume normal activities within a month with proper home care. More severe strains can take several months to heal completely.

To treat a foot muscle strain at home, follow the RICE method:

1. Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured foot and stop any activities that cause pain.
2. Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling.
3. Compression: Use an elastic bandage to compress the area, which helps minimize swelling.
4. Elevation: Keep your foot elevated above heart level when possible to reduce blood flow and swelling.

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. As you begin to heal, gentle stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and strength in the affected muscles.

Preventing Future Foot Muscle Strains

Taking steps to prevent foot muscle strains can help you avoid future injuries and discomfort. Consider the following preventive measures:

• Always warm up properly before exercise or physical activity
• Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts
• Wear appropriate, supportive footwear for your activities
• Maintain good overall fitness and flexibility
• Listen to your body and avoid overexertion
• Stay hydrated to keep your muscles functioning optimally

By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a foot muscle strain.

Differentiating Between Sprains and Strains

While sprains and strains are often confused, they are distinct types of injuries. Understanding the difference can help you better assess and treat your foot injury:

Sprains

• Involve torn or twisted ligaments (tissue that connects joints)
• Most common in wrists, ankles, thumbs, and knees
• Often result from sudden twisting movements

Strains

• Involve overstretched or torn muscles (also known as pulled muscles)
• Most common in knees, feet, legs, and back
• Often result from overuse or sudden, forceful movements

Both sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility, but the underlying tissue damage differs. Proper diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment.

Long-Term Outlook and Rehabilitation

With proper treatment and care, most people recover completely from foot muscle strains. However, the rehabilitation process is crucial for preventing re-injury and ensuring a full return to normal activities.

During rehabilitation, you may work with a physical therapist who can guide you through exercises designed to:

• Improve flexibility in the affected muscles
• Strengthen the muscles and surrounding tissues
• Enhance overall foot and ankle stability
• Improve your gait and balance

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and avoid returning to full activity too quickly, as this can lead to re-injury. Gradually increasing your activity level as your foot heals will help ensure a safe and complete recovery.

When Can You Return to Normal Activities?

The timeline for returning to normal activities after a foot muscle strain varies depending on the severity of the injury and your individual healing process. Generally:

• Mild strains may allow for a return to normal activities within a few days to a week
• Moderate strains typically require 3-6 weeks of recovery time
• Severe strains can take 3 months or longer to heal completely

Your healthcare provider will assess your progress and provide guidance on when it’s safe to resume various activities. It’s crucial to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard too soon, as this can prolong the healing process or lead to further injury.

When to Consult a Foot Specialist

While many foot muscle strains can be effectively treated at home, certain situations warrant consultation with a foot specialist or podiatrist. Consider seeking professional help if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve after a week of home treatment
• You experience severe pain or swelling
• You’re unable to bear weight on the affected foot
• You hear a popping sound at the time of injury
• You have a history of frequent foot injuries

A foot specialist can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your injury, offer advanced treatment options if necessary, and guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program to ensure optimal recovery.

What to Expect During a Foot Specialist Visit

When you visit a foot specialist for a suspected muscle strain, you can expect the following:

1. Medical history review: The specialist will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and your medical background.
2. Physical examination: They will assess the affected area, checking for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
3. Diagnostic tests: X-rays, MRI scans, or ultrasounds may be ordered to rule out fractures or assess the extent of soft tissue damage.
4. Treatment plan: Based on their findings, the specialist will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, physical therapy, or in rare cases, surgical intervention.

By seeking professional care when needed, you can ensure that your foot muscle strain receives appropriate treatment, potentially speeding up your recovery and reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Complementary Therapies for Foot Muscle Strain Recovery

In addition to conventional treatments, several complementary therapies may help support recovery from foot muscle strains:

Massage Therapy

Gentle massage can help improve blood flow to the affected area, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing. However, it’s important to wait until the acute phase of the injury has passed before beginning massage therapy.

Acupuncture

Some individuals find acupuncture helpful in managing pain and promoting healing. While scientific evidence is mixed, acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner.

Herbal Remedies

Certain herbs, such as arnica and bromelain, are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in recovery. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements, as they can interact with medications.

Hydrotherapy

Once the acute phase of the injury has passed, gentle exercises in water can help improve strength and flexibility while minimizing stress on the injured foot.

While these complementary therapies may offer benefits, they should be used in conjunction with, not as a replacement for, conventional medical treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy or treatment regimen.

Long-Term Foot Health and Injury Prevention

Maintaining good foot health and preventing future injuries is crucial, especially if you’ve experienced a foot muscle strain. Here are some strategies to promote long-term foot health:

Regular Foot Exercises

Incorporating foot-strengthening exercises into your routine can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of future strains. Some beneficial exercises include:

• Toe curls and spreads
• Ankle rotations
• Calf raises
• Towel scrunches with your toes

Proper Footwear

Wearing shoes that fit well and provide adequate support is crucial for foot health. Consider the following tips:

• Choose shoes appropriate for your activities
• Replace athletic shoes regularly, especially if you’re active
• Use orthotics or insoles if recommended by a foot specialist

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight puts additional stress on your feet and ankles. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of foot injuries and improve overall foot health.

Regular Foot Check-ups

If you’re prone to foot problems or have a chronic condition like diabetes, regular check-ups with a podiatrist can help catch and address potential issues early.

Gradual Activity Increases

When starting new physical activities or increasing the intensity of your workouts, do so gradually. This allows your feet and muscles to adapt, reducing the risk of strain.

By incorporating these practices into your lifestyle, you can promote long-term foot health and reduce the likelihood of experiencing future foot muscle strains or other foot-related injuries.

Can You Pull A Muscle In Your Foot?

A pulled muscle, also known as a muscle strain, is a result of a torn or overstretched muscle. It is often caused by overuse, fatigue, or improper use of muscles. You can pull any muscle in your body but this is the most common in feet, lower back, and neck.

You have many different tendons in your feet, all of which, with over-use can become pulled.

Pulled muscles can cause pain and make it difficult to walk. However, moderate strains can be treated at home with medications and ice. More serious strains require special treatment.

The main symptoms of pulled foot muscles

You will immediately feel the pulled muscle. The main symptoms are:

• limited movement
• pain
• swelling or redness
• spasms in muscles
• soreness or tenderness
• weakness
• tightness when walking

In some cases, a pulled muscle may feel painful but still flexible and you will be able to walk straight away. The symptoms of moderate muscle strains go away within a week.  In severe cases, your range of movement will be very limited. These may take several months to heal.

The main causes of pulled muscles in your feet

An acute muscle strain happens when your muscle tears unexpectedly. This can occur from trauma, injuries, and other reasons such as:

• fatigue
• lack of warm-up before the exercise
• poor muscle flexibility
• over-use

Some people think that pulled foot muscles can affect only professional athletes and rigorous exercises. However, a pulled muscle can happen even from walking. It often happens when you:

• jump
• lose your footing
• lift heavy weights
• run
• lift something while in an uncomfortable position

A pulled muscle is more common during winter. This happens because muscles are much stiffer in lower temperatures. Therefore, it is important to have a better warm up before the exercise to prevent muscle strains.

When do you need a doctor?

For moderate strains, it should be enough to stay at home and use ice. However, you should visit a doctor if you experience anything from the following:

• The blood is coming from your injury
• You feel pain for longer than a week
• The injured spot is numb
• Your range of movement is very limited
• You can’t move legs even a little bit

When you visit a foot doctor, you will go through a physical examination and different tests such as MRI scans and X-rays which help your foot specialist determine the severity of the injury.

The common treatments are pain relievers to reduce pain, anti-inflammatory medicine, as well as physical therapy that help restore movement. In the most serious cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the problem.

Recovery always depends on your injury. For a moderate foot or ankle strain, you may be able to do everything you did before within a month with simple home care. Otherwise, recovery can take months.

However, with proper treatment, people always recover completely. You can improve recovery time by trying to avoid getting a pulled muscle again. Follow the instructions of a specialist and don’t participate in physical activity until your muscles are healed.

Here’s what to do now

If you think you pulled a muscle in your foot or ankle and it is affecting the way you walk, give us a call today to have it professionally examined to make sure it is not more severe.  Let us help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.  Call 301-937-5666 or click here to request your appointment online.

Sprains and strains – NHS

Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home without seeing a GP.

Check if you have a sprain or strain

It’s likely to be a sprain or strain if:

• you have pain, tenderness or weakness – often around your ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg or back
• the injured area is swollen or bruised
• you cannot put weight on the injury or use it normally
• you have muscle spasms or cramping – where your muscles painfully tighten on their own

Is it a sprain or a strain?

A table explaining the differences between strains and sprains.

Sprains	Strains
Torn or twisted ligament (tissue that connects the joints)	Overstretched or torn muscle (also known as a pulled muscle)
Most common in: wrists, ankles, thumbs, knees	Most common in: knees, feet, legs, back

How to treat sprains and strains yourself

For the first couple of days, follow the 4 steps known as RICE therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury:

1. Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.
2. Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
3. Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
4. Elevate – keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.

To help prevent swelling, try to avoid heat (such as hot baths and heat packs), alcohol and massages for the first couple of days.

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint or muscle does not become stiff.

A pharmacist can help with sprains and strains

Speak to a pharmacist about the best treatment for you. They might suggest tablets, or a cream or gel you rub on the skin.

Painkillers like paracetamol will ease the pain and ibuprofen will bring down swelling.

But you should not take ibuprofen for 48 hours after your injury as it may slow down healing.

How long it takes for a sprain or strain to heal

After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better.

Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, as there’s a risk of further damage.

Severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal.

You cannot always prevent sprains and strains

Sprains and strains happen when you overstretch or twist a muscle.

Not warming up before exercising, tired muscles and playing sport are common causes.

Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:

• the injury is not feeling any better after treating it yourself
• the pain or swelling is getting worse
• you also have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery – this could be an infection

111 will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Other ways to get help

Go to an urgent treatment centre

Urgent treatment centres are places you can go if you need to see someone now.

They’re also called walk-in centres or minor injuries units.

You may be seen quicker than you would at A&E.

Find an urgent treatment centre

Treatment at a minor injuries unit

You may be given self care advice or prescribed a stronger painkiller.

If you need an X-ray, it might be possible to have one at the unit, or you may be referred to hospital.

Physiotherapy for sprains and strains

If you have a sprain or strain that’s taking longer than usual to get better, your GP may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy from the NHS might not be available everywhere and waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:

• you heard a crack when you had your injury
• the injured body part has changed shape
• the injury is numb, discoloured or cold to touch

You may have broken a bone and will need an X-ray.

Page last reviewed: 12 January 2018
Next review due: 12 January 2021

Ankle Sprain and Strain Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of ankle sprains and strains can be quite similar, but there are some important distinctions. Both involve localized pain, ankle swelling, and instability, but the location and side effects of that pain and instability can differ depending on whether a muscle or ligament is involved.

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Symptoms of an ankle sprain

In an ankle sprain, the following signs and symptoms may occur:

Localized pain at the site of the sprain. For example, if the deltoid ligament has been sprained, pain would be localized to the inside of the ankle. Pain is often described as sudden and sharp, and worsens with movement or placing weight on the ankle. Pain may be relieved somewhat by rest and elevation of the ankle.

Swelling at the site of the sprain. In the case of a deltoid ligament sprain, the inside of the ankle may be noticeably swollen. Or swelling may occur on the outside of the ankle if one or more ligaments in the lateral ligament complex are sprained.

Bruising over the site of the sprain. In addition to swelling, patients may notice bluish, reddish, or purplish skin discolorations over the sprain site as an indication that ligaments have torn and blood is rushing to the area.

Limited ability to move the ankle. In more severe sprains, patients may not be able to turn, bend, or flex the foot. Weight-bearing activities such as walking may become difficult or impossible.

Popping sound or sensation. When the injury occurs, patients may hear or feel a “pop” as the ligament is stretched or torn.

Intense pain at the time of the trauma. In cases of severe sprains when the ligament(s) is partially or completely torn, the pain is sudden and severe enough to make patients stop whatever they are doing and become immobile.

In This Article:

Symptoms of an ankle strain

While most ankle sprains are acute injuries that occur following a single trauma, ankle strains can be either acute or chronic. Acute strains can occur following a single trauma, such as slipping and falling on a patch of ice or running and jumping during sports. Chronic strains usually occur due to longer-term overuse of the ankle muscles, and frequently occur in long-distance runners, soccer and American football players, gymnasts, and dancers.

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The following signs and symptoms may be indicators of an ankle strain:

Pain. Pain may either appear immediately at the onset of an acute strain, or appear gradually in the case of a chronic strain that develops over time due to overuse of the ankle muscles. (The latter is more common).

See Common Running Injuries: Pain in the Ankle or Back of the Heel

Swelling, redness, and inflammation that is localized to the site of the strain. For example, if the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) are strained where they meet the ankle, the lower calf and the area encircling the ankle bone may show swelling or redness. The area of inflammation may appear flushed or warm to the touch.

See Common Running Injuries: Calf and Shin Pain

Muscle spasms, cramps, and muscle weakness in the ankle. The ankle or lower calf may twitch or tense up, or the ankle may no longer be able to function normally. For example, a strained ankle may no longer support a person’s weight, or the person may lose the ability to jump or run without pain.

Limited range of motion. If one or more muscles and/or tendons in the ankle are strained, the ankle may no longer be able to move normally without pain, or the person may lose control of the ankle completely. For example, in the case of a mild strain, a patient may no longer be able to rotate or flex the ankle without feeling some level of discomfort, while in the case of a severe strain, the ankle may go completely limp.

In order to get the correct diagnosis and treatment, patients are advised to seek medical attention for any painful or debilitating symptoms. Ankle sprains and strains can have similar symptoms, as well as similar causes and risk factors.

Ouch! How to Tell If You Have a Sprain, a Strain or a Tear – Consumer Health News

FRIDAY, March 24, 2017 (HealthDay News) — Sprains, strains and tears are different types of injuries, and it’s important to know how they differ, a sports massage therapist says.

A sprain is the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the tissues that connect bones to each other and stabilize them.

“Sprains occur when the joint is forced into an unnatural position. They happen most often in the ankle but can occur at any joint, such as the wrist or knee,” said Martin Mufich. He is also a clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Nursing.

Symptoms of a sprain include joint or muscle pain, inflammation, hampered movement, tenderness and bruising.

“A mild sprain should take approximately seven to 10 days to heal,” Mufich said in a university news release.

“A torn ligament is considered a severe sprain that will cause pain, inflammation, bruising and result in ankle instability, often making it difficult and painful to walk. Recovery from a torn ligament may take several weeks, and should be done under the supervision of a health-care provider,” he explained.

A strain is the overstretching or tearing of a muscle or a tendon, which connects the muscles to the bones. It can occur from a single incident or over time.

“An acute strain is an instantaneous stretch or tear of the muscle or tendon, whereas, a chronic strain stems from repetitive motions over time that place stress on the muscle or tendon,” Mufich said.

Symptoms of a strain include muscle spasms, weakness, cramping, immobility, pain, bruising and swelling. It can take a few weeks for symptoms of a mild-to-moderate strain to ease, he explained.

A tear is the ripping of tissue in ligaments, muscles or tendons.

“Typically, the worse a tear, the more inflammation and pain a person will experience, and the longer it will take for the injury to heal,” Mufich said.

In general, the treatment for sprains, strains and tears involves a plan called “RICES” — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Stabilization.

However, for some severe tears, such as those of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee, surgery may be needed.

Mufich said that it is normal to experience some discomfort during the healing process from any of these injuries, but there should not be any sharp pain.

“If you are not seeing improvements within 24 hours or it is getting worse, contact a health-care provider,” he advised.

More information

The U.S. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has more on sprains and strains.

Sprain (Muscle Tear) and Strain Symptoms and Treatment

Sprain (Muscle Tear) and Strain Symptoms and Diagnosis

Sprains and strains can happen almost anywhere in your body, including your lower back.

Both can be quite painful.

Symptoms of a sprain

Sprains can happen when a joint twists in an unusual position, or bends too far. For example, an ankle sprain occurs because your ankle has twisted and the ligaments attached around that joint over-stretch.

Symptoms of a sprain include:

• Swelling and tenderness of the joint
• Bruising
• Stiffness

If your joint appears out of place or your symptoms do not go away within a few days, you should see a doctor.

Strain symptoms

Symptoms of a strain may include:

• Sudden muscle pain, often as a result of a particular movement or injury
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle is sore to the touch
• Pain sometimes subsides with rest
• Reduced strength in affected area

A mild muscle strain may result in some pain and weakness.

Severe muscle strains involve much (or even complete) tearing. People often hear the muscle “pop” when the injury happens. This may result in extreme pain and the inability to use the affected muscle.

A severe muscle strain injury is an emergency. You should see a doctor right away.

Sprain or strain diagnosis

To diagnose a sprain or strain, your doctor will examine the injury and ask questions about how it happened.

He or she will also want to know if you’ve had the same injury before and any medications you are taking.

Tests you may need to confirm a sprain or strain diagnosis:

• Sprains — x-rays to ensure that you don’t have a fracture.
• Strains — x-rays or an MRI to determine the extent of the damage to your muscle.

Contact UPMC Orthopaedic Care

To learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our orthopaedic experts, please call 1-866-987-6784.

Learn more about tests to diagnose sprains and strains

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UPMC’s HealthBeat Blog:

The differences between a sprain, strain and tear — ScienceDaily

For many, the start of a new year means the start of a new workout regimen. It is difficult enough to make the time commitment, but nothing throws off a resolution like an injury. Martin Mufich, MSN, RN, sports massage therapist and clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing, offered some tips to better recognize and prevent common workout injuries. Still, he warned that you should not self-diagnose. “See a health care provider to be sure about the type of harm that may have occurred, especially if improvements are not seen within 24 hours,” Mufich recommended.

Sprain: Ligament injury

Have you ever been running through the grass then all of a sudden your foot lands on uneven ground, and you feel your ankle wrench followed by a jolt of pain? It is likely that your ankle is sprained, or twisted.

A sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of the ligaments, which are the fibrous connective tissues that connect bones to each other and stabilize them. “Sprains occur when the joint is forced into an unnatural position,” Mufich said. “They happen most often in the ankle but can occur at any joint, such as the wrist or knee.” Ligament injuries on the outside ankle occur when the ankle turns outward and the foot twists inward. On the other hand, inner-ankle sprains, which are less common than those on the outside of the ankle, result from the ankle rocking inward and the foot turning outward.

Joint or muscle pain, inflammation, hampered movement, tenderness and bruising are symptoms of a sprain. The severity of the sprain can range from mild to serious. A tweak of the ankle could result in an overstretched ligament that becomes tender, swollen and stiff, but the ankle should still be stable enough to support the weight of walking. “A mild sprain should take approximately seven to 10 days to heal,” Mufich said. “A torn ligament is considered a severe sprain that will cause pain, inflammation, bruising and result in ankle instability, often making it difficult and painful to walk. Recovery from a torn ligament may take several weeks, and should be done under the supervision of a health care provider.”

Strain: Muscle or tendon injury

A strain is the overstretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon, which are the fibers that connect the muscles to the bones. They can occur from a single incident or from repetitive movements over the long term. “An acute strain is an instantaneous stretch or tear of the muscle or tendon;” Mufich said, “whereas, a chronic strain stems from repetitive motions over time that place stress on the muscle or tendon.”

Muscle spasms, weakness, cramping and immobility, as well as pain, bruising and swelling are symptomatic of a strain. Like sprains, strains vary in severity. It could take a few weeks for the symptoms of a mild-to-moderate strain to subside.

Tear: Ligament, muscle or tendon injury

Tears are the ripping of fibrous tissue that can occur in the ligaments, muscles or tendons from similar activities that cause fibers to overstretch, but the diagnosis is more serious and muscle and tendon tears could take multiple months to heal. “Typically, the worse a tear, the more inflammation and pain a person will experience, and the longer it will take for the injury to heal,” Mufich said. Non-surgical rehabilitation is often sufficient. However, some tears may require surgery to repair, such as those to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL.

Treatment and Prevention

Treating sprains, strains and tears consists of taking steps to reduce the swelling and pain from the injury. Swelling is often the body’s first reaction for healing an injury. As fluid and white blood cells rush to the damaged tissue, it becomes inflamed in an effort to repair the tissue and protect it from further damage. However, the fluid can compress the nerves in the injured area and cause pain. Excessive swelling can also potentially lessen the ligaments’, tendons’ and muscles’ flexibility, making the area more susceptible to future injuries. Mufich said these injuries are generally treated by following the plan “RICES.”

Rest: Unpainful movement of the area is important, but avoid putting weight on the injury for a prolonged time, perhaps by using crutches, until it is less painful to use Ice: Apply ice, not heat, to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes every hour or two throughout the first 24 to 72 hours or until the swelling subsides Compression: Wear an elastic compression wrap for the first 24 to 36 hours to help minimize any swelling Elevation: Rest the injury above heart level for two to three hours per day to reduce the amount of swelling that collects in the body’s extremities Stabilization: Especially if medical care is not readily available, like in the wilderness, stabilize the injured area until care becomes available

“Particularly for muscle injuries, the blood works to lay collagen layers on the injury to heal it by forming an internal scab,” Mufich said, “and hopefully overtime, as the muscles fibers heal, that collagen will break down. ” Ligaments and tendons do not receive as much blood flow, so they tend to take longer to heal.

It is important to ease back into mobilizing the area and remain patient throughout the recovery process until your body is ready to return to pre-injury activities. Some discomfort throughout the healing process is normal. However, there should not be any sharp pain. A health care provider can recommend proper rehabilitation practices and exercise.

Sprain, strains and tears can generally be prevented by adequately warming up and stretching prior to rigorous activity, wearing protective equipment, wearing proper fitting shoes that provide stability and building and maintaining muscle and joint strength by exercising regularly.

“While it is great to push your limits, know your limits,” Mufich said. “If you are not seeing improvements within 24 hours or it is getting worse, contact a health care provider.”

​Foot problems – Muscle, bone and joint injuries

Foot problems can cause a range of symptoms including pain, swelling and limping.

In many cases, new or flare-up of long-standing foot problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.

When to seek help

Speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible if:

• there’s been significant trauma, for example a fall from height or direct blow to the foot
• you have a significant open wound
• you can’t put any weight at all through your foot

What causes foot problems?

Foot problems are fairly common and can be caused by injury or normal age-related changes. It may also be due to a flare-up of an existing problem.

As you get older, normal age-related changes can cause your foot problem to flare-up now and again, often for no reason.

Can this cause problems anywhere else?

You may feel some pains in your toes, ankle, calf, knee and even in your back. This should improve as your foot problem gets better.

Foot problems can also cause limping. If the limp is severe, using a walking stick on the opposite side to your foot problem may help.

How to use a walking stick

Self-help

Keeping active is an essential part of your treatment and recovery and is the single best thing you can do for your health.

Being physically active can:

• maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none.
• keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible
• prevent a recurrence of the problem
• help you aim for a healthy body weight

Avoid sports or heavy lifting until you have less discomfort and good movement.

Exercises to help with foot problems

Resting or moving?

Within the first 24 to 48 hours of symptoms starting you should try to:

• rest your foot, but avoid long spells of not moving at all
• move your foot and toes gently for 10 to 20 seconds every hour when you’re awake

After 48 hours:

• try to slowly return to normal activity
• do whatever you normally would and stay at or return to work – this is important and is the best way to get better
• lead with your good leg when going upstairs to reduce the strain on your foot
• lead with your problem leg when going downstairs to reduce the strain on your foot
• use a handrail (if available) when going up and downstairs

Pain treatments

Pain medication can help to reduce the pain and help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery.

Speak to your community pharmacist or other healthcare professional about taking medication or other methods of pain relief. It’s important to take medication regularly.

More about taking painkillers

Work

It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.

Help and support

If, after following the above advice, your foot problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks a referral to a physiotherapist or podiatrist may be of benefit.

If available in your health board area, the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Helpline can refer you to a healthcare professional if you need it.

90,000 What to do if the muscles in your leg are stretched? | HEALTH

About the reasons and necessary actions for distortion were told by the staff of the Department of Therapeutic Disciplines IDPO VSMU im. N.N. Burdenko.

“Sprain (distortion) of the leg is an injury caused by the maximum tension of muscles or ligaments and tendons (fibers connecting muscle and bone). With an excessive load on the leg, its tissues cannot withstand the pressure exerted, which results in stretching of the limb.In fact, in this case, breakage of individual fibers in the bundle occurs while maintaining the integrity of others.

In everyday life, muscle strain can occur due to hard physical work, improper lifting of weights, sudden unusual movement, falling, collision. During sports activities – with overload on the muscles, especially without warm-up, as well as with a sudden sharp change in the direction of movement. Also, the reasons include falls and blows.

When the muscles of the leg are stretched, the following symptoms are observed: pain, muscle weakness in the leg, lack of performance of the injured muscle, the presence of edema at the site of the sprain, bruising or hematoma, hypersensitivity to touch at the site of the sprain.

It is impossible to independently determine the degree of injury. It is imperative to consult a doctor, since similar symptoms of pain, swelling, limitation of mobility, hematoma can occur both with a fracture, and with a muscle rupture and other traumatic injuries.

Before contacting a healthcare professional, you must:

1. Apply a cold compress to the stretch site. The ice pack should be wrapped in a towel so that there is no direct contact with the skin and applied to the injured area for 15-20 minutes.

2. Fix the limb. For this purpose, it is possible to apply bandaging with elastic material or the imposition of an orthopedic bandage (orthosis). At the same time, immobility is ensured and, as a consequence, a decrease in pain and swelling, protection from further injury and aggravation of the situation (rupture of blood vessels, hemorrhage). When bandaging the legs, do not pull the limb too tight so that there is no paleness, blueing of the limb.

3. Creation of rest: the first three days are prohibited any physical activity on the stretched tissue in order to avoid worsening the prognosis of recovery.The injured leg must be positioned so that it is above the level of the heart (on a roller or pillow). This will help ensure blood flow away from the sprained area, reducing pain and swelling.

When stretched prohibited:

• to carry out warming procedures (using a heating pad, compresses, going to a bath or sauna, rubbing with warming ointments). This will provoke the formation of a more severe edema, hemorrhage, as well as a deterioration in the prognosis of the course of the disease;
• try to fix the end;
• Load the injured limb: try to walk, massage the stretch site.In the acute phase, this can lead to further rupture of the fibers.

See also:

90,000 Muscle sprains – symptoms, treatment, prevention, causes, first signs

General information

Very often this happens due to intense physical exertion, disproportionate to your capabilities, as well as with excessively active or fast movements or stress on uncrumpled, unheated muscles. You may feel something bursting or tearing when muscle or ligament tissue is too tight.It may be painful for you to walk and move. Stretching usually takes 1 to 6 weeks to heal.

Symptoms

Stretching the muscle – the muscle in such injuries is too stretched, some tissue may be torn. There may be bleeding and swelling in the damaged area. As the stretch wears off, small scars may appear, so after injury the muscle may not be as elastic and strong. If the joint is too tense, the tissues of the ligaments and other elements supporting the joint can tear.In this case, the joint swells, becomes very sensitive and painful.

What you can do

In order to stop bleeding and remove the tumor, it is recommended to use the following simple methods of treatment:

• after injury, physical exertion and sudden movements should be avoided (for 48 hours, complete absence of stress on the damaged area required).
• Immediately after injury, ice should be applied for at least 20 minutes as soon as possible, and then ice should be applied every 4 hours for 48 hours.Ready-made packs of ice, cubes wrapped in a damp towel, or even packs of frozen vegetables (such as green peas) will work. However, ice should not be applied directly to the skin; it should be protected with a towel or napkins.
• it is necessary to apply an elastic pressure bandage to the damaged area.
• The injured arm or leg must be held in an elevated position.

• Warming compresses can be used after 48 hours.Light exercise during a hot bath can also help.
• After 48 hours, you can do 10 stretching exercises for the injured muscle per day, but they should be very smooth and soft. Sharp movements should be avoided, as your task is to slightly stretch the muscle, and not damage it again.
• If you stretch your leg, try to walk normally without limping. Take small steps, using a cane if necessary.
• Regular exercise is necessary after injury.Start with very little exercise and smooth movements, but exercise every day.
• After an injury, you need to make the muscle strong and elastic again. After an elbow injury, special exercises are needed to prevent repeated stretching in the same area. A sports bandage may be applied.

What your doctor can do

Your doctor may suggest medication to relieve pain and swelling, but most sprains from the above recommendations will resolve on their own within a week or so. You may need a referral to a physical therapist.

If the sprain is very severe, the doctor may suggest an x-ray to make sure the bone is intact. If the ligament is completely torn, surgery may be necessary.

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Muscle stretching – first symptoms and treatment with compresses

March 19, 2018, 10:22

Experienced doctor shared important details about trauma treatment

Muscle stretching is a situation that is probably familiar to each of us .What to do if this happened, and what to do to prevent this from happening, the site “Today” found out.

“To imagine what happens during muscle stretching, remember the old filamentous elastic bands, in the middle of which there are many stretching thin elastic bands. Here is the structure of the muscles, which consist of a large number of fibers, just a bit like the structure of an elastic band. And how and an elastic band, muscles can stretch, they can partially tear or completely tear, “ – explains the head of the orthopedics and traumatology department of the Dobrobut medical network (Kiev), orthopedic traumatologist Vasily Shmagoy.

Photo: Dobrobut

When and why muscle stretching occurs

• First, when we give an outrageous load: a sharp movement, a fall, a blow.
• Second – when we maximally load an unprepared, unheated muscle.
• Third – when we give an excessive load, it is above the strength of our body.

In everyday life, muscle strain can happen due to hard physical work, inept lifting of weights, sudden unusual movement, falling, collision.During sports activities – with overload on the muscles, especially without warm-up, as well as with a sudden sharp change in the direction of movement. Well, plus, the fall and the blows.

How to understand that a muscle has been pulled

This is pain, swelling, stiffness of movements, or even inability to move at all. A bruise may appear and cramps disturb. If there is a rupture and this is a large muscle, for example, the biceps, a ball is felt, because the torn fibers are compressed, collecting into a lump.

First aid

For any injuries, including if a person has a muscle strain, in the first few hours you need: a) cold; b) immobilization and load limitation. That is, we apply a cold compress (to reduce swelling, thereby reducing pain) and, if possible, do not make any movements so as not to use the damaged muscle.

Treatment

If we are talking about stretching itself, that is, there is no rupture, even partial, then the first stage of treatment is cold, restriction of movement, as well as anti-inflammatory ointments.If the pain is severe, a pain reliever can be added to it.

The second stage – from the third day after the injury – the cold is no longer needed. On the contrary, we begin to warm up the damaged muscle. This is necessary to help the body get rid of the effects of edema as quickly as possible. We warm both with a warm compress and with the help of warming ointments or even physical procedures.
When there is a partial tear, the treatment regimen is selected depending on the person’s age and lifestyle. If this is an athlete who wants to give the injured muscle a strong load in the future, it is recommended to sew the torn fibers together.Otherwise, the motor function of the muscle will be restored, but it will no longer be possible to load it heavily. If we are talking about people who are not going to set sports records and actively train, surgical intervention is not indicated: there are enough ointments and movement restrictions until the muscle is restored.

How to prevent muscle strain

First, remember that the more trained muscles, the less often they are injured. We lead an active lifestyle, do exercises, exercise, walk a lot.In general, we keep the muscle corset in shape.

Secondly, we realistically assess our physical capabilities: we do not give the load that our body is not capable of. This applies to both sports and everyday life. No need to lift a bag of potatoes if you cannot afford it.

Thirdly, before any active physical activity, first of all, of course, in sports, but the recommendation also applies to everyday life, you must first warm up, “stretch” the muscles. And only then include them in active work.

Recall how to recover faster after a fracture: diet and exercise program .

In addition, scoliosis: treatments for curvature of the spine .

Watch the video: Ukrainians come up with new ways to lose weight and strengthen muscles

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Today

90,000 What to do if you pulled a muscle on football

June 21, 2018

When stretching muscles (ligaments) during a football game or during training, remember that there are many vessels and nerve endings in them.This is a zone of increased sensitivity. The rupture of connective fibers is accompanied by a sensation of sharp, severe pain

When stretching muscles (ligaments) during a football game or during training, remember that there are many vessels and nerve endings in them. This is a zone of increased sensitivity. The rupture of the connective fibers is accompanied by a sensation of sharp, severe pain and the appearance of edema.How to provide first aid to the injured footballer in this case?

Urgent measures to prevent unwanted consequences

Timely assistance will help facilitate further treatment and significantly reduce the risk of negative consequences. The damaged joint should be allowed complete rest for three to four days.

A tight bandage is suitable for fixation using:

• elastic bandage;
• kerchiefs;
• scarves;

90,023 pieces of dense material cut off.

If abnormal mobility is detected, a tire is required. To reduce pain, you can use an ice heater or ice cream products wrapped in a towel. This procedure should not last more than twenty minutes, but it must be repeated for two days every five hours.

Note. If a severe hematoma has formed, keep the limb at a level above the head. This will help reduce blood flow to the affected area. To relieve edema, special ointments and gels are used, which also have a calming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect (for example, Heparin ointment, Indovazin, Ketonal, Diclofenac).

Preventive measures

The fact of trauma indicates that proper attention was not paid to prevention. Before playing football, you should take care of the reliable protection of your legs, feet, knees. Your footwear should be comfortable, ergonomic and with a number of safety features.

Remember, the stronger and healthier your body as a whole, the better it is protected from injury.

90,000 Calf muscle strain: symptoms and treatment

Calf stretch accompanies athletes throughout their careers.Most often, jumpers and runners suffer from unpleasant symptoms. In everyday life, rupture of the calf muscles also occurs, especially during physical exertion without proper preparation. Treatment for sprains after injury depends on the extent of the injury.

Slight discomfort in the leg can be successfully corrected at home, including with the use of kinesio tapes.

Symptoms of a stretched calf muscle

When a leg pain is referred to as “pulled the calf”, they usually mean a stretched calf muscle (lateral or medial head), sometimes involving the plantar. Both are under the knee and directed along the bone towards the ankle. Muscle tissue is made up of many elastic fibers. The work of this complex allows us to walk, run and jump. However, at high loads and exceeding the permissible stretch in the gastrocnemius muscle, tears are formed.

Symptoms depend on the severity of the leg injury. A slight sprain can be accompanied by mild pain and a pulling sensation in the lower leg. The patient can still walk, albeit with discomfort.

Severe damage to the calf muscles causes acute pain in the lower leg and leads to complete immobilization.

Additional symptoms of stretching or rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle:

• hyperemia,
• redness,
• bruising,
• inability to stand on the leg.

Even if the pain is tolerable, treatment is necessary. If the problem is allowed to take its course, the process may become chronized, which is much more difficult to correct later.

Calf tear treatment

Moderate stretching resolves on its own within a few days.You can speed up the process of treating your leg at home using the following measures:

• Ice or cold compresses. Wrap the ice in a soft cloth and place on the caviar for 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure every couple of hours for the first three days after the injury, if it is accompanied by edema.
• Heating pad. When the hyperemia has passed, but the pain remains, you can use a barely warm heating pad instead of ice.
• Leg bandage. It also helps to reduce swelling and increase mobility. Together or instead of bandages (depending on the situation), kinesiotapes are also used in the treatment of sprains of the calf muscles.They must be applied on the recommendation of a doctor.
• Placing the leg above the level of the heart. It also reduces swelling and pain.
• Rest for the injured muscle. It is possible to subject the tissue to loads only after the disappearance of pain and swelling.

With severe inflammation, it is allowed to take NSAIDs – ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol.

If symptoms persist within 2-3 days, a more serious injury is likely that requires surgery or increased physical therapy.

Classic home taping technique for stretching the calf muscles

For appliqués, a 5 cm wide I-tape and scissors are required. Before applying the kinesio tape, the skin must be absolutely clean and free of grease. If there is abundant hair, it is better to remove it – this way the patch will last longer and it will be easier to remove it.

Stages of applying tapes in case of rupture of the caviar muscle (partner needed):

1. Lie on a bed or couch face down and hang the toes of the foot.Measure the length of the calf muscle (from the lower leg to the popliteal region). Cut off two tapes to the appropriate length, round off the edges.
2. Apply the tape without tension to the medial head, starting from the ankle.
3. On top of the first anchor on the lower leg, attach the second, and, according to the same principle, apply a plaster to the lateral head of the calf.
4. Measure the distance between the outer sides of the taped tapes at the painful point of the leg. Apply a patch of the appropriate size to the problem area with a tension of 50%.
5. Rub the tapes well to speed up the adhesion of the material to the skin.

Wait at least half an hour before physical activity.

Please note: if it is not possible to take the indicated starting position for taping, then you can apply the plaster while standing – take a wide step forward, leaving the foot of the injured leg firmly pressed to the floor.

Taping on the back of the lower leg

Improvement of lymph circulation

In order to eliminate hematomas and bruises, the W-shaped technique of applying tapes is used, as well as gluing cross-tapes covering the entire damaged area. This method improves lymphatic drainage, accelerating the elimination of toxins and waste products. Significant changes for the better are noticeable already on the second day.

Terms of rehabilitation therapy for sprains of the calf muscles

To restore the functioning of the diseased leg, 3-7 days are enough. In severe and advanced cases, it may take 2 or more months. In such cases, we are talking about an operation.

Premature stress on the affected area leads to repeated injuries, hernias and an increase in the duration of rehabilitation.It is best to start using the leg with exercise therapy classes. Ukraine practices the use of rehabilitation measures in polyclinics, including the use of physiotherapy exercises and kinesiology tapes. You can buy the required roll and get tips on taping on this website.

How to cure a muscle strain

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Muscle sprains are associated with excessive stretching of the ligaments or muscles.This often happens due to fast movements or a lot of stress on non-flexed muscles, or due to intense physical activity that is incomparable to your capabilities

At the moment of stretching, you can feel how something breaks or bursts – these are too tense ligaments. At first, after a painful shock, it may be painful for you to move or walk. The treatment for a muscle strain usually lasts 2-6 weeks.

Symptoms

muscle strain

When stretched, the muscles become severely stretched, some tissues may be torn.There may be swelling or bleeding in the affected area. After a while, scars appear that make the muscle inelastic and strong.

How to treat

stretching

independently

To stop possible bleeding and remove the tumor, it is worth using the following treatment methods:

? try immediately after stretching to apply ice or something very cold for 15-25 minutes, and continue to apply cold every 4 hours for two days;

? after an injury, try to avoid physical exertion and sudden movements, for the first two days do not load the stretched area at all;

? keep the arm in a raised position if it is a stretch of the muscles of the arm, or a leg if it is a stretch of the muscles of the leg or thigh “

? apply an elastic bandage to the damaged area.

What to do two days after stretching the muscles

After two days, the stretched joints will not interfere with light exercises while taking a hot bath. You can also use a warming ointment for muscle strain. To slightly stretch the pulled muscle, you need to do gentle stretching exercises throughout the day. When stretching the muscles of a leg or hip, try not to limp and take small steps. Also, do not forget about elastic bandages for stretched muscles if you plan to return to an active life as soon as possible.

What can

appoint a doctor

The doctor will most likely suggest taking medication to relieve pain and shrink the tumor. But know that most of the above will help get rid of pain and swelling when stretching the muscles on your own. If the sprain is severe, your doctor will suggest x-rays to make sure the bone is intact. And if the ligament is already completely torn, surgical intervention will be needed.

Sprain Treatment | CMC Hospital

Sprained ligament treatment is one of the most common types of orthopedic treatment.Unlike many other conditions, sprains do not have a peak season. With injuries of the musculoskeletal system, people go to doctors throughout the year. This is also the spring-summer season, when people begin to engage in physical labor and sports: they go out into nature, run, and also go to summer cottages. This is also the autumn-winter season, when classes begin in schools and sports clubs, adults and children go snowboarding, skiing, skating. And among the elderly, sprains generally occur in the most everyday situations: at home, in the garden or in the yard.

The resulting minor injuries and the accompanying sprains cause a lot of inconvenience to patients: pain, discomfort both when moving and when the body is at rest. Many patients are deceived by the illusion of improvement that often occurs with sprains. But as soon as the patient begins to walk, the trauma again makes itself felt. This time, with increased pain.

Symptoms of sprain

Very often, patients do not seek treatment for sprains in time, as they mistake their injuries for a simple bruise.They continue to move and lead their usual way of life, which only worsen their condition. A stretched ligament that is not treated will not only cause additional discomfort and pain to the person, but it can also completely rupture and immobilize the patient. Sprains have the following symptoms:

• Pain when moving in the joint, significantly worse when trying to turn the joint in the direction in which it was stretched during injury
• when pressing on the area of ​​stretched ligaments and the place of their attachment to the bones
• With a sprain of the ligaments of the leg – pain when stepping on the leg, sometimes (rarely) until it is completely impossible to step on it
• The onset and gradual increase of joint edema, sometimes reaching large sizes
• In some cases – hematoma (bruise), redness and increased skin temperature in the area of ​​injury; often a hematoma appears on the second day, and just below the site of injury;
• Over time, the swelling will only get worse.with a moderate injury, there is a significant limitation of joint mobility; with a complete rupture of the ligament, on the contrary, the joint becomes excessively mobile and unstable, which becomes especially noticeable after the edema subsides.
• In moderate to severe trauma, a clap can sometimes be heard – a sign of a torn fiber in the bundle

First aid for sprains

While waiting for the doctor who will treat the sprain, the patient can carry out a few simple manipulations.

• Lightly bandage the injury site. The bandage should firmly fix the joint in its normal position, but not interfere with normal blood circulation.
• Immobilize the damaged area of ​​the body. In the first hours and days of injury, it is important to maintain rest for the injured limb. If the shoulder / arm is injured, try not to lift anything or move it at all. If you have a knee / foot injury, do not walk or load the injured leg under any circumstances.
• Place the injured limb on a raised platform. Basically, this applies to the legs. A small pillow or cushion under the foot will provide the desired position for the foot. This will help prevent extensive bruising and relieve leg pain.
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the stretch site for 15-20 minutes. Repeat every 3-4 hours. These cold applications will help prevent bruising and relieve pain.

These simple manipulations are an essential first aid for sprains.

Types of ligament sprains

Most often, patients seek treatment for the following types of sprains:

• Sprain of the ligaments of the foot. Often caused by twisting of the leg. It is characterized by pain, swelling and inability to step on the foot.
• Sprained knee ligaments. This type of sprain is usually the result of a bad fall. The patient experiences acute pain, the knee swells significantly.
• Sprains of the back ligaments.It occurs as a result of significant physical exertion when playing sports or lifting weights. It is characterized by sharp and throbbing pain. It is difficult for the patient to stand and sit. Relief comes only when lying down.
• Sprains of the ligaments of the hand. This type of sprain is the result of increased stress on the wrist or an unsuccessful fall / landing.
• Elbow sprain. Many athletes and weightlifters are susceptible to this type of injury. It occurs both as a result of lifting weights, and as a result of sudden movements of the arm and elbow.
• Sprains of the shoulder ligaments can occur with a load or a sudden swing of the arm. Ligament damage can worsen if there was something heavy in the hand: a load or a sports equipment.

Treatment of sprains in the Caucasus Medical Center

One of the leaders in the treatment of orthopedic patients in the Caucasus is the Caucasian Medical Center. The center treats sprains and offers the following services:

• Diagnostics of orthopedic injuries of varying complexity, using the most modern diagnostic equipment.In case of any suspicion of a sprain and rupture of the ligaments, our doctors will carry out the most thorough examination in order to exclude the development of complications, and will prescribe the appropriate treatment.
• Inpatient treatment. The optimal type of treatment will be selected for each patient in our medical center. In hospital treatment, patients recover much faster as they are surrounded by constant and professional medical care.
• Outpatient treatment. For those patients whose treatment can be carried out on an outpatient basis, our doctors will draw up a treatment plan and prescribe the appropriate medication.In outpatient treatment, orthopedic patients will be prescribed an appropriate exercise regimen. A dedicated podiatrist will monitor the results of the treatment.
• Orthopedic traumatologists of the CMC are highly qualified specialists and possess the latest techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of moderate and high severity injuries.

Kinesiology taping

Kinesiological taping is a technique for treating sprains, in which a special adhesive tourniquet is applied to the affected ligament – kinesiological tape.High-quality tape is made of a special elastic medical fabric and can only be stretched in one direction. When applied to the affected area, the tape lifts the skin and subcutaneous fat at the site of injury. What happens at this time with the injured tissues under the tape? And the following happens:

• The glued tape, tightening the skin, weakens the muscles associated with the site of injury.
• The pain at the injury site is relieved and the patient is greatly relieved.
• Glued kinesiological tape improves blood circulation, which in turn prevents the development of edema and hematomas.
• All healing processes in this position will be much faster.
• The patient, having received significant pain relief, will be able to return to partial physical activity.

Only an orthopedic surgeon can apply the kinesiology tape correctly after a proper examination! The tape adheres tightly to the skin and lasts from 2 to 3 days. The patient can take a shower with tape.

Medical massage

Medical massage for sprains is another component of the treatment of such injuries.As a rule, a professional orthopedic doctor will prescribe a massage for the patient no earlier than 48 hours after receiving the herb. Massage before this period is strictly prohibited, as early massage will increase the risk of bruising and increase swelling. It should also be remembered that the need for massage is determined only by a doctor. The standard procedure for medical massage for ligament injuries is as follows:

• First, the patient is warmed up the injured area of ​​the body.For this, warming compresses are used. It is very important to remember that warming up is carried out only on the recommendation of a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to heat the injury in the first few days on your own.
• Next, a preliminary massage is carried out, during which the massage therapist carefully develops the areas located above the injury site. This will promote good lymph drainage.
• Only after that the massage of the most injured area will begin. A professional masseur will carry out the massage in such a way that the patient will get a minimum of painful sensations.Based on the recommendations of the doctor, the intensity and duration of the massage sessions will increase each time.

Physiotherapy in the treatment of sprains

Physiotherapy is actively used today in the treatment of various injuries of the musculoskeletal system, including sprains.

A highly qualified physiotherapist is able to lift a patient with sprained ligaments to their feet in a matter of days, who, moreover, had severe pain syndrome before the start of physiotherapy.As a rule, physiotherapy is prescribed only a few days after a ligament injury. There are a large number of physiotherapy methods, but the attending physician will select the right type of physiotherapy treatment for each patient. Physiotherapy is indicated for the following types of sprains:

• Ankle sprain,
• Sprain of the knee ligaments,
• Sprain of back ligaments,
• Sprains of the ligaments of the hands,
• Elbow sprain,
• Sprain of the ligaments of the shoulder joint.

That is, as we can see, physiotherapy is indicated for the treatment of all types of sprains. During physiotherapy, patients note the following positive effects:

• Edema decreases noticeably at the site of stretching,
• Improves blood circulation and lymph flow of the damaged area of ​​the body,
• The recovery of sprained ligaments after the start of physiotherapy is much faster.

Magnetotherapy

The most popular type of physical therapy is magnetotherapy.Its popularity is due to the simplicity and effectiveness of this method in the treatment of sprains. During treatment with magnetotherapy, the affected area is exposed to an alternating magnetic field. The strength and intervals of field exposure are adjusted by a physiotherapist. Typically, treatment starts at low intensity and gradually increases over the course of treatment. Despite the fact that magnetotherapy is a rather old method in the treatment of many diseases of the human motor system, many patients notice a significant improvement in their condition after the first sessions.What are the advantages of magnetotherapy?

• Providing anti-inflammatory effect on the injured area of ​​the body,
• Relief of muscle tension,
• Pain reduction,
• Improvement of lymphatic and blood exchange processes,
• Acceleration of the processes of regeneration of damaged tissues,
• Strengthening the patient’s immune system.