Sprain Injury & Strain Accident

Sprains and strains are very often seen as the result from the trauma of a car wreck or a fall. Strains and sprains are two very different types of injury.

A sprain injury involves the tearing or stretching the tissue that connects bone to bone (a ligament) and occur when a joint is pushed beyond its normal range of motion, such as the twisting of your ankle when applying great force to brake for an impending car wreck.

Strain injuries on the other hand involve the stretching or tearing of a tendon or muscle. If its an acute injury, the strain is localized where the muscle is transforming into a tendon and occur when a muscle is expanded and then suddenly contracts. This type of injury is frequently the result of trauma from a motor vehicle collision. Symptoms include loss of strength, pain, muscle spasms, and diminished range of motion. Long-lasting (chronic) strains occur when a strain injury builds up over time from repetitive use, overuse and can lead to tendonitis. For example, a machine operator may get this injury in his or her shoulder or elbows as the result of stress from repeated activities. This typically results in a workers' compensation claim and usually involves the employee being given work which does not require repetitive movement.

Sprains and strains are categorized according to severity. There are three grades ranging from mild or Grade I and with these there is usually some stretching or mild tearing of a muscle or ligament. A moderate strain or sprain also called a Grade II injury is when a muscle or ligament that is torn to some degree but not fully torn. A severe strain or sprain or a Grade III injury involved a completely torn muscle or ligament and this will cause severe joint instability.

The treatments from these injuries range from rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) which is a standard in medical treatment for these injuries. Often, Physical Therapy is also employed to bring flexibility and strength back to the injured joint. The more severe the injury, the need for more invasive care such as immobilization and even surgery to bring full function back to the joint. There is not guarantee that any of these treatment methods will restore the joint to perfect stability.

Sprain and strain injuries are some of the most common orthopedic injuries in car and interstate accidents and one important factor to a full recovery is to be seen early by orthopedic surgeon after which a treatment plan can be implemented. Most, but not all, strain and sprain injuries will fully heal without long lasting physical disability.