Sprains and strains
Overview
Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home without seeing a GP.
Symptoms
It's likely to be a sprain or strain if: you have pain, tenderness or weakness – usually around your ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg or backthe injured area is swollen or bruisedyou cannot put weight on the injury or use it normallyyou have muscle spasms or cramping – where your muscles painfully tighten on their own
Treatment
For the first 2 to 3 days after a sprain or strain, follow the 5 steps known as PRICE therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury: Protection – protect the injury, for example by using a support, or shoes that support your foot or ankle.Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.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.Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it during the day.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. If you need treatment for a sprain or strain you may be given self-care advice or prescribed a stronger painkiller. You may need anX-ray, which can sometimes be done at an urgent treatment centre, or you may be referred to hospital. If you have a sprain or strain that's taking longer than usual to get better, a 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. If you have a sprain or strain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP. To find out if there are any services in your area: ask the reception staff at your GP surgery check your GP surgery's website contactyour local integrated care board (ICB) search online for NHS treatment for sprains and strains near you If you have a sprain or strain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP. To find out if there are any services in your area: ask the reception staff at your GP surgerycheck your GP surgery's websitecontactyour local integrated care board (ICB)search online for NHS treatment for sprains and strains near you
Prevention
Sprains and strains happen when you overstretch or twist a muscle. Not warming up before exercising, tired muscles and playing sport are common causes.