Strains and Sprains - The Truth About Each, Including Prevention

There is quite a difference between strains and sprains. They are commonly confused with each other; however, it is important for athletes as well as anyone who is highly active to know the difference. Strains and sprains are both quite common sports injuries, but they affect different parts of the body. A sprain affects the ligament. Ligaments are the fibrous tissues that connect the bones together in a joint. A strain affects the tendons and muscles. Tendons are the tissues that attach the muscle to the bone. Because strains and sprains are so commonly found among athletes, there should be some ways to prevent these injuries from occurring more than they should. The best way to treat a strain or a sprain is to practice proper prevention. Treatment does not always mean that the injury will heal properly or that re-injury will not occur, so preventative measures are the best way to ensure that your bones, ligaments, muscles, and tendons all remain as healthy and strong as possible.

There are six steps to preventing strains and sprains from occurring. These tips come directly from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The first tip is to practice a conditioning program. Condition programs are meant to build muscle. Strong muscles get strained less and prevent from the twisting and rolling of joints that cause sprains. The second tip is to always stretch. This does not necessarily mean just before activities, but it means daily. The third tip is always wear the proper shoes. This means shoes that are fitted properly and have good support, especially in the ankle and foot arch. The fourth tip is to have a well balanced diet. A well balanced diet keeps muscles and bones strong. The fifth tip is to always warm up before any physical activity, even if the activity is just practice. Warm muscles and joints get injured less. The last or sixth tip is to always wear the right equipment for the sport. Wearing protective equipment that fits well and is designed for that sport will ensure that injuries are going to occur less. Strains and sprains of course can not be totally prevented and there is no way to ensure that they do not occur, but following these six tips can definitely reduce the chances. This way athletes can keep doing what they love and remaining safe and healthy at the same time. However, if strains and sprains do occur the advice of a physician should be sought to ensure the best treatment for the injury can be obtained.

Read the full sprain first aid guide. You can also read other first aid guide and full first aid book

Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are a common risk for anybody, especially for athletes and those who exercise regularly. The ankle is a complex area joint and because of its position, it is at a great risk for injury. Sprains are the most common injury for an ankle, but there are different types of sprains and they each have different effects on the joint. Before yo...

Pain Relief From Lower Back Pain Requires Some Discipline
At some time in your life you will probably experience lower back pain. It is classified in the medical community as either acute (i.e. temporary flare-ups) or chronic (i.e. long lasting). Under any circumstances, it can be quite disabling, and is a condition that accounts for more sick leave than anything else.Acute lower back pain is usually brou...

Best Migraine Prevention Medicines
Migraine headaches are a destructive part of life for nearly 11 out of 100 people. During migraine episodes, they can barely function. They curtail daily activities, and all of life seems distorted. Between episodes, they may feel anxious about the next one, and wish for some form of migraine prevention.Although guaranteed migraine prevention seems...

See How Easily You Can Take Care of Common Injuries
Normal pain is achy, dull, and very general. Usually, you feel it throughout an entire muscle or over a large area of your body. Bad pain tends to be sharp, specific and signals injury. It usually hurts when you do certain movements such as turning your head, trying to carry you kid or squatting down. It is very important to recognize this type of ...

Pain - What are the Causes of Hip Pain, Who is at Risk?
Hip pain is a common problem, and it can be confusing for you because there are many causes. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the underlying problem.Hip pain is very common and can result from numerous different causes. Hip pain tends to occur commonly in ce...

Vitamins For Headache Prevention
Studies show the link between an increased risk to getting chronic headaches when you are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. If you eat a balanced health diet, then you would find that this can hardly be the case. As it is, most of us do not eat well for a variety of reasons. You should therefore up your intake of vitamins for headache p...

A Blinding Flash With Extreme Pain
Migraine sufferers often turn to pain killers as the only way to give a little relief until the episode wears off; sometimes taking many hours. The feeling like your head is going to implode is scary to say the least but when going through such an incident your rational thinking leaves you and the thought of this pain passing totally fills your min...