Sprains and strains: Signs and symptoms

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Recognising sprains and strains

Sprains and strains can be managed relatively simply, so it helps to know how to identify this common type of injury.1

Signs and symptoms icon

Signs and symptoms

Both sprains and strains cause pain, inflammation and swelling.

  • Symptoms of a sprain occur around the affected joint and can also include bruising, loss of function, and mechanical instability if severe2
  • Symptoms of a strain affect the injured muscle and can include spasm, weakness and cramping2

Symptom severity depends on both the severity of the injury and the time since the injury took place – it can take up to 24 hours for bruising and swelling to become apparent.2

  • Questions to ask your patient

    Ask your patient:2,3

    • Where exactly does it hurt?
    • How bad would you say the pain is?
    • When did the pain start? Had anything happened before then that could explain the pain, for example a fall or an injury?
    • Describe the pain. Is it sharp? Or a dull ache? Does it feel sore? Or stiff?
    • Is there any swelling or bruising?
    • Is the pain present all the time or does it just occur when you move, or perform any particular activity?
    • Does the pain ease after you have rested? Or does it get worse?

  • When to refer your patient for further care

    The patient should be immediately referred to an emergency department if any of the following is suspected:2

    • Fracture
    • Dislocation
    • Damage to nerves or circulation
    • Tendon rupture
    • Wound penetrating the joint
    • Known bleeding disorder
    • Signs of septic arthritis (e.g. fever, joint swollen and warm to touch) or haemarthrosis (joint is very painful and swollen immediately after injury)
    • A large intramuscular haematoma
    • A complete tear, or a tear of more than half of the muscle belly

Understanding sprains and strains

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Causes

Find out about the causes of sprains and strains.

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Management

Learn how sprains and strains should be managed.

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Overview of joint pain

Find out more about joint pain and meet two patients with joint pain.

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