How do sprains and strains impact workplace safety and productivity. What are the main causes of these common injuries. Which preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of sprains and strains at work. How can employers and employees work together to create a safer work environment.

Understanding Sprains and Strains: Definitions and Impact on Workplace Safety

Sprains and strains are the leading cause of injuries in manufacturing environments, significantly impacting both workers and businesses. But what exactly are these injuries?

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue that connects bones at a joint. When a sprain occurs, one or more ligaments are stretched or torn. On the other hand, a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which connects muscle to bone. Strains involve the stretching or tearing of these tissues.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sprains and strains top the list of workplace injuries in terms of frequency and severity of claims. This prevalence highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.

The Hidden Costs of Sprains and Strains in Manufacturing

Why should businesses be concerned about sprains and strains? The impact of these injuries extends far beyond immediate medical costs:

• Lost productivity due to worker absence
• Increased workers’ compensation claims
• Potential for long-term disability
• Decreased employee morale
• Costs associated with training replacement workers

By implementing proactive prevention measures, companies can significantly reduce these hidden costs and create a safer, more productive work environment.

Identifying the Root Causes: Ergonomic and Individual Risk Factors

To effectively prevent sprains and strains, it’s crucial to understand their underlying causes. These injuries can develop suddenly or over time, influenced by both workplace conditions and individual factors.

Ergonomic (Workplace) Risk Factors:

1. Excessive Force: Tasks requiring high force loads on the body increase muscle fatigue and injury risk.
2. Repetitive Motions: Highly repetitive tasks, especially when combined with other risk factors, contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
3. Awkward Postures: Working outside the mid-range of joint motion for extended periods strains muscles and tendons.
4. Environmental Hazards: Slip, trip, and fall risks can lead to sudden soft tissue injuries.

Individual Risk Factors:

• Poor work practices and body mechanics
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits
• Inadequate rest and recovery
• Poor nutrition, fitness, and hydration
• Failure to recognize early signs of fatigue or discomfort

By addressing both ergonomic and individual risk factors, employers can create a comprehensive approach to sprain and strain prevention.

Implementing Effective Ergonomic Controls in the Workplace

How can employers mitigate ergonomic risk factors to prevent sprains and strains? Implementing effective ergonomic controls is key to creating a safer work environment.

One crucial step is conducting thorough ergonomic assessments of workstations and tasks. These assessments help identify potential hazards and areas for improvement. Based on the findings, employers can implement various controls:

• Redesigning workstations to promote neutral postures
• Providing adjustable equipment to accommodate different worker sizes
• Implementing job rotation to reduce repetitive motions
• Using mechanical aids to reduce the need for excessive force
• Improving lighting and reducing glare to prevent awkward neck postures

Regular reassessments and employee feedback ensure that these controls remain effective over time.

Empowering Employees: Individual Strategies for Sprain and Strain Prevention

While ergonomic controls are essential, individual employees also play a crucial role in preventing sprains and strains. What steps can workers take to protect themselves?

Encouraging and educating employees about the following practices can significantly reduce their risk of injury:

1. Proper body mechanics: Teaching correct lifting techniques and posture awareness
2. Regular stretching: Implementing pre-shift and during-shift stretching routines
3. Physical fitness: Promoting overall strength and flexibility through exercise programs
4. Adequate hydration and nutrition: Educating about the importance of proper fueling for the body
5. Early reporting: Encouraging workers to report discomfort or fatigue before it becomes an injury

By empowering employees with these strategies, companies create a culture of proactive injury prevention.

The Power of Partnership: Fostering Collaboration Between Employers and Employees

Preventing sprains and strains is not solely the responsibility of the employer or the employee – it requires a collaborative effort. How can companies foster this partnership?

Successful prevention programs often include the following elements:

• Open communication channels for reporting hazards and suggesting improvements
• Employee involvement in ergonomic assessments and solution development
• Regular safety meetings and training sessions
• Recognition and rewards for safe practices and improvement suggestions
• A supportive culture that prioritizes health and safety

By creating an environment where everyone is invested in injury prevention, companies can significantly reduce the occurrence of sprains and strains.

Professional Prevention for Industrial Athletes: Advanced Strategies

Viewing employees as “industrial athletes” can shift the perspective on injury prevention. Just as professional sports teams invest in keeping their athletes in peak condition, companies can adopt similar strategies for their workforce.

Advanced prevention strategies might include:

1. On-site physical therapy or athletic training services
2. Customized warm-up routines for specific job tasks
3. Biometric screenings to identify individual risk factors
4. Wearable technology to monitor and improve body mechanics
5. Nutrition counseling and healthy meal options in company cafeterias

These investments not only prevent injuries but also demonstrate a company’s commitment to employee well-being, potentially improving morale and retention.

Measuring Success: Key Performance Indicators for Sprain and Strain Prevention

How can companies track the effectiveness of their sprain and strain prevention efforts? Establishing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for ongoing improvement.

Important KPIs to consider include:

• Incident rates of sprains and strains
• Lost workdays due to these injuries
• Workers’ compensation costs related to sprains and strains
• Employee participation in prevention programs
• Results of ergonomic assessments and improvements made

Regularly reviewing these metrics allows companies to identify trends, celebrate successes, and address areas needing improvement.

The Role of Technology in Prevention and Monitoring

Advancements in technology offer new opportunities for preventing and monitoring sprains and strains. How can companies leverage these tools?

Innovative technologies for injury prevention include:

• Exoskeletons to reduce physical strain during repetitive tasks
• Virtual reality training for proper lifting techniques
• AI-powered ergonomic assessment tools
• Smart sensors to monitor workplace environmental factors
• Mobile apps for employee health tracking and education

While these technologies can be powerful tools, it’s important to remember that they should complement, not replace, fundamental ergonomic principles and employee education.

Addressing Mental Health in Sprain and Strain Prevention

The connection between mental health and physical injuries is often overlooked in workplace safety programs. How does mental well-being impact the risk of sprains and strains?

Several factors link mental health to increased injury risk:

1. Stress and fatigue can lead to poor decision-making and reduced body awareness
2. Depression may result in decreased physical activity, weakening muscles and increasing injury susceptibility
3. Anxiety can cause muscle tension, altering normal movement patterns
4. Sleep disturbances affect reaction time and coordination

Incorporating mental health support into injury prevention programs can yield significant benefits. This might include stress management workshops, access to counseling services, and promoting work-life balance.

Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Successful sprain and strain prevention is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. How can companies foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety?

Key elements of a continuous improvement culture include:

• Regular review and updating of safety policies and procedures
• Encouraging and rewarding employee suggestions for improvement
• Staying informed about industry best practices and new prevention technologies
• Conducting periodic safety audits and acting on the findings
• Celebrating safety milestones and sharing success stories

By making safety improvement an integral part of company culture, organizations can stay ahead of potential risks and continuously enhance their prevention strategies.

The Economic Case for Investing in Prevention

While the human cost of sprains and strains is clear, making the economic case for prevention can help secure leadership buy-in. What are the financial benefits of investing in comprehensive prevention programs?

Consider the following potential savings:

1. Reduced workers’ compensation costs
2. Decreased absenteeism and associated productivity losses
3. Lower turnover rates and reduced hiring/training costs
4. Improved product quality due to a healthier, more engaged workforce
5. Enhanced company reputation, potentially leading to better business opportunities

By quantifying these benefits, safety professionals can make a compelling case for investing in robust sprain and strain prevention programs.

Tailoring Prevention Strategies to Diverse Workforces

As workforces become increasingly diverse, how can companies ensure their sprain and strain prevention strategies are inclusive and effective for all employees?

Considerations for tailoring prevention strategies include:

• Accounting for varying physical characteristics in workstation design
• Providing multi-lingual safety training and materials
• Addressing cultural differences in health beliefs and practices
• Considering the needs of older workers and those with disabilities
• Adapting strategies for different shift schedules and work arrangements

By taking a more personalized approach to prevention, companies can ensure that all employees benefit from their safety initiatives.

The Future of Sprain and Strain Prevention: Emerging Trends

As technology and workplace practices evolve, so too will strategies for preventing sprains and strains. What emerging trends should safety professionals be aware of?

Some areas to watch include:

1. Integration of artificial intelligence in risk prediction and prevention
2. Increased use of robotics to handle high-risk tasks
3. Development of “smart” personal protective equipment
4. Growing emphasis on holistic employee wellness programs
5. Adoption of flexible work arrangements to reduce physical strain

Staying informed about these trends can help companies remain at the forefront of injury prevention.

Building Resilience: Beyond Prevention to Quick Recovery

While prevention is crucial, building employee resilience can minimize the impact when injuries do occur. How can companies foster resilience in their workforce?

Strategies for building employee resilience include:

• Providing education on proper recovery techniques
• Implementing gradual return-to-work programs
• Offering on-site rehabilitation services
• Promoting overall health and fitness to speed recovery
• Addressing psychosocial factors that may hinder recovery

By focusing on both prevention and resilience, companies can create a comprehensive approach to managing the risk of sprains and strains.

Leveraging Data Analytics for Targeted Prevention

In the age of big data, how can companies use analytics to enhance their sprain and strain prevention efforts?

Advanced data analytics can provide valuable insights:

1. Identifying patterns and trends in injury occurrences
2. Predicting high-risk situations based on multiple factors
3. Personalizing prevention strategies for individual employees
4. Evaluating the effectiveness of different interventions
5. Optimizing resource allocation for prevention efforts

By harnessing the power of data, companies can move from reactive to proactive injury prevention, addressing potential issues before they lead to injuries.

The Role of Leadership in Successful Prevention Programs

Leadership commitment is crucial for the success of any safety initiative. How can company leaders effectively support sprain and strain prevention efforts?

Key leadership actions include:

• Visibly prioritizing safety in company communications and decisions
• Allocating adequate resources for prevention programs
• Participating in safety walk-throughs and meetings
• Recognizing and rewarding safe behaviors and improvement suggestions
• Fostering a blame-free culture that encourages reporting and learning from incidents

When leaders consistently demonstrate their commitment to safety, it sets the tone for the entire organization.

Integrating Sprain and Strain Prevention into Broader Safety Programs

While focusing on sprain and strain prevention is important, how can companies integrate these efforts into their overall safety programs for maximum impact?

Strategies for integration include:

1. Incorporating sprain and strain prevention into existing safety training modules
2. Aligning prevention goals with overall company safety objectives
3. Including sprain and strain risks in regular safety audits and assessments
4. Addressing psychosocial factors that contribute to both physical and mental health risks
5. Creating cross-functional teams to address safety holistically

By taking a comprehensive approach to safety, companies can create synergies between different prevention efforts and maximize their impact.

As we continue to explore strategies for preventing sprains and strains in the workplace, it’s clear that a multifaceted approach is necessary. By combining ergonomic controls, employee education, technological innovations, and a culture of continuous improvement, companies can significantly reduce the incidence of these common yet costly injuries. The key lies in viewing prevention not as a one-time effort, but as an ongoing commitment to employee health and safety.

How to Prevent Sprains and Strains in the Workplace

Did you know that sprains and strains are the leading injury category in the manufacturing environment?

It’s true.

Not only that, but according to the worker’s compensation data, strains are the top accident category in manufacturing by claims frequency and severity.

Statistics on Sprains and Strains in the Workplace

Bureua of Labor Statistics (2011)

Bureua of Labor Statistics (2011)

Bureua of Labor Statistics (2011)

The data tells us that sprains and strains are common and costly in industry today. They are costly (and unacceptable) for businesses, they are costly (and painful) for workers and they are costly (and frustrating) for safety professionals.

If this situation rings true at your company, it’s time to make a decision to take proactive steps to take on these common and costly problems.

You’ll be happy to hear that sprains and strains are preventable in every workplace. What follows is a comprehensive (yet simple) approach to a complex problem.

It’s a simple matter of identifying risk factors and systematically implementing control measures.

The hard part is deciding to reduce all risk factors, gaining 100% leadership commitment and instituting a process that persists over the course of time.

Here is what you’ll find in this article:

• What are Sprains?
• What are Strains?
• The Causes of Sprains and Strains
• A Proactive, Prevention-focused Approach (Ergonomic and Individual Controls)
• Important — A Partnership Between a Company and its People
• Professional Prevention for Professional (Industrial) Athletes
• Key Takeaways

What are Sprains?

A sprain is an injury to a ligament (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). In a sprain, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn.

What are Strains?

A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone). In a strain, a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.

The Causes of Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains can happen suddenly or develop over the course of days, weeks or months. When a worker is exposed to causative risk factors, they are more likely to develop a sprain / strain.

There are two general categories of risk factors; ergonomic (workplace) risk factors and individual risk factors.

Ergonomic (Workplace) Risk Factors:

• Excessive Force: Many work tasks require high force loads on the human body. Muscle effort increases in response to high force requirements, increasing associated fatigue which can lead to MSD.
• Excessive Repetition: Many work tasks and cycles are repetitive in nature, and are frequently controlled by hourly or daily production targets and work processes. High task repetition, when combined with other risks factors such high force and/or awkward postures, can contribute to the formation of MSD. A job is considered highly repetitive if the cycle time is 30 seconds or less.
• Awkward Posture: Awkward postures place excessive force on joints and overload the muscles and tendons around the effected joint. Joints of the body are most efficient when they operate closest to the mid-range motion of the joint. Risk of MSD is increased when joints are worked outside of this mid-range repetitively or for sustained periods of time without adequate recovery time.
• Other environmental factors: Slip, trip and fall hazards increase risk of a sudden / acute soft tissue injury.

Individual Risk Factors:

• Poor work practices. Workers who use poor work practices, body mechanics and lifting techniques are introducing unnecessary risk factors that can contribute to MSDs. These poor practices create unnecessary stress on their bodies that increases fatigue and decreases their body’s ability to properly recover.
• Poor overall health habits.  Workers who smoke, drink excessively, are obese, or exhibit numerous other poor health habits are putting themselves at risk for not only musculoskeletal disorders, but also for other chronic diseases that will shorten their life and health span.
• Poor rest and recovery. MSDs develop when fatigue outruns the workers recovery system, causing a musculoskeletal imbalance. Workers who do not get adequate rest and recovery put themselves at higher risk.
• Poor nutrition, fitness and hydration. For a country as developed as the United States, an alarming number of people are malnourished, dehydrated and at such a poor level of physical fitness that climbing one flight of stairs puts many people out of breath. Workers who do not take care of their bodies are putting themselves at a higher risk of developing musculoskeletal and chronic health problems.
• No recognition of early signs and symptoms: Many MSDs develop over the course of time. At the first signs of excessive fatigue/discomfort, the worker has an opportunity to recognize the early signs and symptoms and proactively use recommended injury prevention tools and principles. Not recognizing early warning signs lends to a reactive approach – and it’s only a matter of time until these signs and symptoms develop into a musculoskeletal injury.

More Risk Factors, More Injuries

The more risk factors a worker is exposed to, the greater the likelihood of an injury occurring. As you can see from the MSD Risk Spectrum above, when both ergonomic risk factors and individual risk factors are present, the greater the likelihood of a musculoskeletal injury / disorder.

A Proactive, Prevention-focused Approach to Sprains and Strains in the Workplace

Prevention is, of course, better than treatment. Sprains and strains are a painful (and unnecessary) experience that we want to prevent from happening.

To do that, you need a comprehensive prevention process to systematically identify and remove the risk factors present in your workplace and workforce through the use of controls.

There are two primary types of controls; ergonomic (workplace) controls to reduce/remove ergonomic risk factors and individual controls to reduce/remove individual risk factors.

Ergonomic (Workplace) Controls

• Engineering Controls eliminate or reduce awkward postures with ergonomic modifications that seek to maintain joint range of motion to accomplish work tasks within the mid-range of motion positions for vulnerable joints. Proper ergonomic tools should be utilized that allow workers to maintain optimal joint positions.
• Administrative Controls include work practice controls, job rotation and counteractive stretch breaks.

Individual Controls

Just like putting controls in place to reduce ergonomic risk factors, you can put controls in place to reduce individual risk factors. We call them “individual controls”, and they control individual risk factors while also empowering individual workers.

• Education and Training Process: Employees should be trained on all aspects of human performance, including ergonomics, MSD prevention principles and individual health and wellness. Formal classroom training and one-on-one follow up ensures the message is getting through.
• Early Intervention Process: The early warning signs of future injuries are present in your workforce today. Early intervention is a proactive strategy designed to discover early warning signs of MSDs and prevent the early warning signs from developing into an injury. These one-on-one consultations with individual workers are often the last line of defense between risk factors present and an injury.

Important: A Partnership Between a Company and its People

The strategy outlined in this article for prevention of sprains and strains is a simple one — identify and control all contributing risk factors.

Putting ergonomic controls in place is part of the company’s responsibility to provide a safe workplace for their people.

In many cases, individual controls fall under the individual responsibility of the worker to keep his or her body fit for work and use proper work practices.

In over two decades of experience preventing sprains / strains (among many other types of MSD) in a manufacturing environment, the most successful companies I’ve seen have created a culture of safety, health and wellness. This culture is the result of each side of this partnership for prevention (the company and individual workers) taking responsibility for their role.

• Companies take responsibility for  providing a workplace within the capabilities and limitations of workers through a systematic ergonomics improvement process and by instituting ergonomic design standards for new work tasks and processes.
• Workers take responsibility for keeping their bodies fit for the work they have chosen to do and they do their work well with proper work practices and technique.

Professional Prevention for Professional (Industrial) Athletes

To take prevention a step further, what if your employees were treated like professional athletes?

In the sports world, professional athletes are treated with utmost care. Team owners provide their athletes with injury prevention professionals, otherwise known as Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs). The job of the athletic trainer is to keep the team healthy and performing at their best. After all, the success of the team depends on the health and performance of the athletes on the team.

In the same way, the success of your company hinges on the health and performance of the professional (industrial) athletes who do the work at your company. Perhaps it’s time you considered treating them like the professional athletes they are and providing them advanced care to prevent pain and injury.

Sprains and strain are common injuries in athletics, and athletic trainers are specifically trained in prevention of soft tissue injuries of all kinds. Bringing an athletic trainer into the workplace to prevent soft tissue injuries is a natural extension of their skillset.

It’s something to consider — what if your employees got the same treatment and care as professional athletes? What if an on-site prevention professional worked side-by-side with your employees, keeping them healthy and performing at their best?

Professional prevention for your professional (industrial) athletes. It’s worth careful consideration, especially if health and safety excellence is your goal.

Key Takeaways

• Sprains and strains in the workplace (and at home) are common and costly.
• Sprains and strains are caused by exposure to risk factors; ergonomic (workplace) risk factors and individual risk factors.
• Preventing sprains and strains in the workplace requires a simple strategy – reduce all causative risk factors by implementing controls; both ergonomic and individual controls.
• Fostering a culture of prevention at your facility is the best way to achieve prevention excellence.
• Certified Athletic Trainers are professional prevention specialists – engaging a prevention specialist at your facility can accelerate health and safety excellence.

Solutions for Sprains & Strains

Use the information and resources below to find solutions to prevent sprains and strains in your workplace. Still need help finding a solution? L&I Ergonomists are ready to help so contact us today.

Solution Tips

Involve your employees when looking for solutions:

• They are the experts in their work. They know the most demanding tasks, and they probably already have some simple improvement ideas. You can use this brainstorming tool to help create more solutions. They’ll also accept changes better if they participate in making them.

Find quick fixes to get momentum going:

• Don’t over-complicate fixes. A quick and simple solution, like rearranging a storage area to reduce lifting, or raising a counter-top to reduce bending can create enthusiasm by showing how effective and simple ergonomics can be.

Focus on effective solutions:

• Changes to work practices and equipment often can eliminate or substantially reduce injury risk. Search the Ergonomics Ideas Bank to help you find effective solutions. Training in proper work practices is important and should accompany any new equipment or procedures, but training alone isn’t very effective in reducing injuries.

Expect results, but be patient:

• Ergonomics tools and practices keep workers healthy and increase productivity, quality and employee morale. However, you shouldn’t be discouraged if these results are not immediate. You should consider all of the benefits when calculating the return on investment, not just reduced claims costs.

Simple Solutions

You can quickly and easily fix many of the hazards that lead to sprain and strain injuries. Look at the tasks in your workplace and use the simple solutions below to make the work safer and easier.

1. Store it off the floor

Lifting from the floor doubles your risk of back injury compared to lifting at waist level.

Guárdelo fuera del piso

Levantar del piso duplica el riesgo de lesiones en la espalda en comparación con levantar a nivel de cintura.

2. Push, don’t pull

Pushing lets you use your body weight and larger muscles to move a load.

Empujar en vez de jalar

Empujar le permite usar su peso corporal y músculos más grandes para mover una carga.

3. Keep it close

Shorter reaches to tools, materials and supplies means less strain on your arms, shoulders and back.

Manténgalo cerca

Alcances más cortos a herramientas, materiales y suministros significan menos tensión en los brazos, hombros y espalda.

4. Hands below head

Keeping your hands below your head reduces stress on your shoulders and neck.

Mantenga las manos debajo de la cabeza

Mantener las manos debajo de la cabeza reduce la tensión en los hombros y el cuello.

5. Grip, don’t pinch

Gripping with the whole hand uses stronger muscles than pinching with your fingers. This means less strain on your hands and fingers.

Agarre, no pellizque

Agarrar con toda la mano –el puño- usa músculos más fuertes que pellizcar con los dedos. Esto significa menos tensión en las manos y los dedos.

6. Keep wrists straight

You have more grip strength and you’ll feel less strain on your hands and wrists.

Mantenga las muñecas rectas

Tiene más fuerza de agarre y sentirá menos tensión en las manos y las muñecas.

7. Roll it

Use carts, hand trucks and conveyors instead of carrying items. Carrying is hard on your hands, arms and back, and can make a slip or trip more likely.

Rodar en vez de cargar

Use carros, carretillas manuales y transportadores en lugar de transportar artículos. Cargando artículos es difícil para las manos, los brazos y la espalda, y puede hacer que un resbalón o tropiezo sea más probable.

8. Work at waist height

Too much bending, kneeling and squatting puts strain on your back, knees and hips.

Trabajar a la altura de la cintura

Demasiado agacharse, arrodillarse y ponerse en cuclillas ejerce presión sobre la espalda, las rodillas, y las caderas.

9. Keep a level head

Tipping, tilting or twisting your head to see your work places strain on your neck and shoulders.

Mantenga su cabeza nivelada

Inclinar o torcer la cabeza para ver su trabajo ejerce presión sobre su cuello y hombros.

10. Use low vibration hand tools

Using tools with high vibration reduces your hand strength and dexterity, and increases the chance of injury.

Utilice herramientas manuales de baja vibración

El uso de herramientas con alta vibración reduce su fuerza y destreza, y aumenta la posibilidad de lesiones.

11. Change it up

Moving the same way over and over for a long time can lead to fatigue, mistakes and injury. Reduce how often and how long risky tasks are done.

Hacer lo mismo es fatigante. Cambie seguido

Moverse de la misma manera una y otra vez durante mucho tiempo puede provocar fatiga, errores y lesiones. Reduzca la frecuencia y el tiempo durante el que se realizan repetidamente las funciones riesgosas.

12. Match work height to the task

Set your work a little below elbow height when you have to use more force. Set your work a little above elbow height when the task needs a light touch and a better view.

Hacer coincidir las alturas de trabajo con las funciones

Establezca su trabajo un poco por debajo de la altura del codo cuando tenga que usar más fuerza. Establezca su trabajo un poco por encima de la altura del codo cuando la función de trabajo necesite destreza fina y una mejor vista.

What Works

The table below can help you choose an effective solution.

Solution	Does it prevent injuries?
An ergonomics process to find and fix hazards	Yes. Learn more about the process here.
Mechanical lifting device (hoist, vacuum lift, and so on)	Yes.
Lift table to eliminate low lifts	Yes.
Safe lifting techniques training	No, but good technique can work along with other solutions. Learn how to make lifting safer here.
Job rotation	Probably not. Learn more about job rotation here.
Stretching programs	Probably not. Learn more about stretching programs here.
Body mechanics training	No.
Workstation evaluations without employee involvement	No. But evaluations that involve employees can be effective.
Sit-stand workstations	Maybe. Training on how to use the workstations can help.
Training without other workplace improvements	Most of the time, no.
Putting equipment in place without training employees on how to use it	Most of the time, no. Find out why training needs to be part of your prevention process here.
Exoskeletons	Too soon to tell. Find out more about exoskeletons here.
Anti-fatigue mats	Maybe. They can help with comfort. Find out more about anti-fatigue mats here.
Knee pads	Sometimes. They help prevent bruises and scrapes, but may not prevent long-term knee injuries.
Anti-vibration gloves	Only in very limited cases. You can read more about anti-vibration gloves here.
Back belts	No. You can read more about back belts here.

Training Resources

Common Sprains & Strains Hazards in Your Workplace and Some Solution Ideas

How to Control Repetitive Hand and Wrist Tasks

Preventing Overexertion Injuries

Sprain

Syktyvkar,
Oktyabrsky pr., 164

Monday-Friday

08:00-20:00

Saturday

09:00-17:00

Sunday

day off

Syktyvkar,
st. Kuratova, 73/2

Monday-Saturday

08:00-20:00

Sunday

09:00-15:00

Sprain is a common injury characterized by micro-ruptures of fibers or individual parts of the ligament. Often occurs in standard everyday situations, for example, when twisting the leg. Most often observed in athletes and people leading an active lifestyle.

Symptoms of sprains depend on the stage of the pathological condition. In any case, at the time of trauma, there is a sharp pain. It intensifies when trying to use the affected limb and subsides a little during the period of rest. Sometimes, when stretching, a characteristic pop is heard – it indicates a rupture of most of the fibers. At the first stage of the pathology, a slight edema is formed, the movements are somewhat limited, and the pain is moderate. On the second, bruising appears, the swelling is stronger, movements are painful and limited, and reliance on the injured leg is difficult. The third stage is characterized by significant swelling, multiple bruising, joint instability, severe limitation of movement and the inability to lean on the leg.

Causes of sprains

• Sharp internal rotation of the foot during braking, often occurring in professional athletes;
• uncomfortable shoes that increase the risk of injury;
• excess body weight, which increases the load on the joints;
• twisting of the leg, stumbling, falling and other mechanical damage;
• a sharp swing or throw, also common among athletes.

First aid for sprains

To minimize the consequences and possible complications, try to follow these recommendations:

• immediately take off your shoes, otherwise the leg will quickly swell, and it will be problematic to get rid of it;
• fix the damaged area with a tight bandage;
• if possible, apply cold to the injury site;
• be sure to consult a doctor for timely assistance and to exclude more serious injuries.

Diagnosis and treatment of sprains

Diagnosis of sprains takes place in the office of a traumatologist. He examines the injured joint, asks about disturbing symptoms and asks additional questions. To determine sprains, he prescribes radiography or other diagnostic methods. They will help to accurately determine the localization of damage and prescribe adequate treatment.

Treatment for sprains is most often outpatient. The patient is advised to keep the injured limb calm and its elevated position. During the first day, cold compresses are applied to the damaged area, after the third day – dry heat.

To relieve pain syndromes, gels and ointments with analgesic and anti-edematous effects are prescribed. In severe cases, pain medication may be prescribed.

An elastic bandage is applied to the joint to fix it in the correct position. For moderate sprains, a splint may be prescribed, which will securely fix the joint and prevent the risk of re-sprain. To restore motor activity, doctors prescribe physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy.

Sprain Prevention

• Properly warm up before training to minimize the risk of injury to the joint;
• try not to stumble, twist your leg and avoid other traumatic situations;
• wear comfortable shoes to protect yourself from accidental injury;
• treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system in time, which increase the risk of injury.

Determine the location and degree of damage

Relieve pain syndrome

Let’s restore motor activity without surgery

Get advice

branch *

Choose. .. Oktyabrsky pr., 164 st. Kuratova, 73/2

surname *

your name *

telephone *

e-mail

branch from session

Branch mail for messages

User city defined by IP

I agree to the processing of personal data

In the near future the administrator will contact you at the specified phone number.

Status

Source

* – required fields

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

INSTITUTE OF MOVEMENT

Syktyvkar, 164 Oktyabrsky pr.0002 09:00-17:00

Sunday

day off

how to get there

Leave a complaint
or suggestion

/>

Child injury prevention

Children are the flowers of life! And the task of any parent is to help him blossom properly. Dad and mom surround their baby with love, attention, care and rejoice in their happiness. But often, when a baby gets into trouble: he gets sick or gets injured, parents get lost and do not know the basic rules for first aid for the baby, and this is so important. To help parents, a project has been prepared on the safety of children, on how to avoid dangerous situations and how to deal with them.

First Aid for Injuries

Injuries among children and adolescents are due to lack of life experience and poor motor coordination, in part due to high self-esteem and excessive curiosity. If an injury occurs, it is necessary to provide the injured child with first aid.

BURN. Most often, children get burned by hot liquids (soup, tea), heated objects (stove, iron), open flames. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to explain to the child the rules of behavior in the kitchen and the danger of playing with lighters and matches. The burnt area must be removed from clothing and immediately held under cold water, this will reduce pain and reduce the risk of blistering. However, if the bubble does appear, it should never be pierced, otherwise an infection can be introduced. Next, you need to apply a sterile bandage or plaster (compress). Caution: Never use home remedies such as butter, potato flour, toothpaste, soaps:1, etc., as this promotes infection and prevents healing. After applying the bandage, you should contact the emergency room or call an ambulance.

ACCURATES . Abraded skin is the most common type of injury in children. In this case, the wound must be treated with an antiseptic to avoid infection. In this case, iodine should not be used, as it often causes an allergic reaction. To begin with, you can treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide, and then with brilliant green. But you can also purchase special aerosols that are very useful on vacation, as they combine both cleansing and antiseptic properties. If, during the healing process, the wound has become crusted, it should not be removed, otherwise an infection can be introduced or dark scars will remain.

CUTS. Rinse the wound with clean water. Raise your arm or leg up for a while to stop the bleeding. Then cover the wound with a band-aid. If there is a foreign body in the wound, do not try, following the first impulse, to pull it out. It may enlarge the wound. It is better to treat the wound with an antiseptic, apply a pressure gauze bandage and show the child to the doctor. Do not use cotton wool as a bandage, as it is difficult to remove from the damaged surface. Gaping wounds and those whose length is more than 0. 5 cm should be treated by a doctor, and in the next 6-7 hours. If the wound is large and bleeding heavily, it is necessary to apply a tourniquet and urgently call an ambulance.

STRETCH. Sprain of the ligaments that fix the joint, most often occurs as a result of movement of the joint in an unusual plane for it (slipped, stumbled, twisted the leg, etc.) or when the joint is overloaded (weight lifting). Signs of sprains are pain at the site of injury, which increases with movement, swelling of the tissues around the sprained ligaments. Over time, a bruise may form. If a sprain is suspected, it is necessary to ensure rest and an elevated position of the injured limb, apply cold to the injury site for 25-30 minutes, apply a tight bandage, which should firmly fix the damaged joint. Remember that only a doctor can finally make a diagnosis of sprain, after bone fracture and ligament rupture are excluded, indirect signs of which are a crunch when probing the injured area, an unnatural position of the limb, severe pain, a change in the appearance of the joint. If a sprain, ligament rupture or bone fracture is suspected, the child needs immediate delivery to the emergency room. When providing assistance, do not rub, do not massage, do not warm the injured joint, do not try to set something on your own or somehow change the position of the limb.

The joint is formed, as a rule, by two bones that come into contact with each other by surfaces covered with cartilage and are fixed in a certain position by the articular bag and ligaments. In the same circumstances in which a sprain occurs, but with a more pronounced load on the joint, its dislocation may occur. Signs of a dislocated joint are a sharp pain, a change in the appearance of the limb – its shape and position, swelling, limitation of joint mobility. If you suspect a dislocation of the joint, the most important thing before arriving at the emergency room is to fix the joint with a bandage, scarf or any other piece of tissue in a position that causes minimal pain. If the knee, ankle or wrist (connection of the forearm and hand) joints are damaged, sticks or planks are placed on the sides of the joint for better fixation, which are bandaged with a cloth or bandage. With a dislocation of the elbow joint, the hand can be tied to the neck with a scarf. In case of damage to the small joints of the fingers and toes, you can bandage the damaged finger to the adjacent, healthy one. Cold is applied to the joint area (directly through the bandage) – for 25-30 minutes. When providing assistance, you do not need to rub, warm the joint, you should not try to straighten the dislocation on your own, you should not move the victim unnecessarily. A dislocation is an injury that requires professional treatment, so if there is no self-confidence, just keep the injured child calm, do not touch anything and wait for the ambulance to arrive.

FRACTURE OF LIMB BONES. Due to the peculiarity of the structure, the bones of the child are more elastic and withstand greater loads than the bones of adults. This age feature also explains the high frequency of subperiosteal fractures, which can only be diagnosed with the help of X-ray examination. As in adults, children’s fractures are open (with skin damage and a bone fragment coming out) and closed (the skin remains intact), with and without displacement of bone fragments. Probable signs of a fracture include intense pain, which increases with movement, when you try to move the affected area of ​​the body, a crunch can be heard, tissue swelling is noted at the site of the alleged fracture, the limb has an unnatural appearance and takes an unnatural position. Remember that pain during fractures can cause pain shock! Therefore, do not move the child until the damaged bone is fixed, do not try to palpate the bone and set the fracture. A smooth measure in case of suspected bone fracture is the fixation of the affected limb, which must be performed in such a way as to prevent even the slightest displacement of bone fragments. It is best to fix the limb with a splint, the role of which can be played by a stick, a board, a rail, a thick newspaper rolled into a tube, an umbrella, a cane or a ski (the wider the splint, the better). Having chosen the splint, we apply it on the sides of the injured limb in such a way that the splint immobilizes the joints adjacent to the fracture. That is, if the lower leg is damaged, the splint should fix the ankle and knee joints; if the thigh – the ankle, knee and femoral joints are fixed (the outer tire is placed from the armpit to the heel – it must be of the appropriate size, the inner one – from the crotch to the heel). Joints are fixed in a similar way in case of a fracture of the upper limbs. If there is no object suitable for the tire nearby, you can bandage a healthy leg to the victim, a broken arm to the body, a healthy finger to the damaged one. The splint is applied over the clothing, and if there is no clothing, then several layers of fabric should be laid under the splint. We do not press the tire to the protruding bone fragments. If the fracture is open and there is a bleeding wound, bleeding should be stopped before applying the splint by applying a sterile tight bandage to the wound or a hemostatic tourniquet to the area above the wound. Having ensured peace and putting cold on the fracture area (for 25-30 minutes), we call an ambulance. It is dangerous to leave a child with a suspected limb fracture without fixation until the arrival of doctors – children are very mobile, and under the influence of pain they can be uncontrollable, which often leads to displacement of bone fragments, bleeding, pain and hemorrhagic shock.

HEAD INJURIES. Injury to the head results from both a blow to the head and a blow to the head. Signs of external damage to the tissues of the head can be different – from abrasions to bleeding wounds of various sizes. Nervous system signs of a head injury include a generalized headache (not just at the site of injury), dizziness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, drowsiness, inappropriate behavior, double vision and blurred vision, different pupil sizes, blood or clear fluid from the ears or nose, hearing impairment, impaired mobility of limbs, convulsions. The injured child must be placed on his back without a pillow (if he is conscious) or on his side (if unconscious – to prevent the tongue from sinking and blocking the airways with vomit) and fix the head with rollers located on the sides of the head and neck. Be sure to evaluate the circumstances of the injury, what and how the damage was done. A head injury is always potentially dangerous and requires a professional examination: the doctor will notice the symptoms, the timely correction of which will prevent severe damage to the nervous system that can develop several hours, days and even weeks after the injury, especially in children. That is, calling an ambulance for a head injury is absolutely necessary.

Head of the traumatology and orthopedic department Kuzin Aleksey Aleksandrovich, chief freelance pediatric orthopedic traumatologist of the Ministry of Health, Family and Social Welfare of the Ulyanovsk Region, doctor of the highest qualification category – “No matter how insignificant the injury may seem, it is best to trust a specialist. Many symptoms of injuries appear after a while and, unrecognized in time, pose a threat to the health and life of the child. In case of injury, there is always a danger of hidden damage to internal organs, which cannot be detected without a medical examination.