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Strains
A strain is a mild injury caused by overstretching muscles, ligaments, or tendons. Most strains respond well to home treatment and heal on their own.
How can you care for a strain or sprain?
- If your doctor gave you a sling, splint, brace, or immobilizer, use it exactly as directed.
- Rest the strained or sprained area, and follow your doctor's advice about when you can be active again.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Keep your splint or brace dry.
- Prop up a sore arm or leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep it higher than the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Do exercises as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.
- Return to your usual level of activity slowly.
- Do not do anything that makes the pain worse.
Strain or sprain: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have severe or increasing pain.
- You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in the area.
- The area turns cold or changes color.
- Your cast or splint feels too tight.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot, such as:
- Pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Redness and swelling in your leg or groin.
- You cannot move the strained part of your body.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.