Is it a Sprain, Strain or Break?
Famous actors Brad Pitt, Halle Berry, Michelle Yeoh, Tom Cruise and Viggo Mortensen all have one thing in common—they were severely injured on set while performing stunts.
While our own injuries might not be so glamorous—or ironic in Pitt's case (he tore his left Achilles tendon while playing Achilles in Troy)—everyday people also experience their fair share of sprains, strains and bone breaks.
So, what's the difference among these three injuries, and what can urgent care do to help?
Sprains
A sprain occurs when you overstretch, rupture or tear ligaments (the tissue bands connecting bones to joints). Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, pain and difficulty moving the joint. Affected areas are often the knees, wrists and ankles. In fact, according to the Journal of Sports Medicine and Therapy, approximately 30,000 ankle injuries happen in the United States daily.
Strains
A strain is an injury caused by overusing, pulling or twisting muscles or tendons (tissue that connects muscles to bones). Common strains include the calves, hamstrings and lower back. Though symptoms can vary, many people report pain, muscle spasms, weakness, swelling and limited movement.
Breaks and Fractures
A bone break, or fracture, occurs when a bone splits or breaks, often in the ankle, arm, collarbone, hip, toe or wrist. The severity of fractures can vary from a hairline crack to a complex break, which often happens when the bone is subjected to excessive pressure or force. Americans experience more than 18 million bone breaks annually, and common causes of broken bones include car accidents, falls, low bone density, repetitive motions and sports injuries. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty using the affected limb normally.
If you experience one of these injuries, urgent care can help you by evaluating your injury through a physical examination and, if needed, imaging such as X-rays to diagnose the extent of your sprain, strain or break. Healthcare professionals can then recommend a treatment plan, including recovery instructions, physical therapy, pain relief, splits or casts. They can also refer you to a specialist for surgery or more intensive treatment in severe cases.
Just remember, it's better to be safe than sorry. A lot of weekend warriors may just try to "walk off" their injuries, but that can increase the risk of re-injury, chronic pain and other long-term complications. For example, one study found that 40% of ankle sprains are poorly treated, leading to chronic pain and even disability.
Importantly, some bone breaks may need emergency care. Severe pain, heavy bleeding, exposed bone, and clear misalignment or deformity all may warrant a trip to the ER.
Remember, just because Halle Berry toughed it out after breaking two ribs in the ironically titled movie Bruised, you don't have to do the same. Let us help heal you and get you back to all the roles you play at home, work and recreationally.
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