Sprains & Strains

Bureau of Workers Comp

PA Training for Health & Safety
(PATHS)

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Topics
Sprains and strains what are they?
Causes
Difference between sprains and strains
Common types
How and where they occur
Signs, symptoms, treatment
Ways to prevent
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What are Sprains & Strains?

Sprains and strains are two types of MSDs, or
musculoskeletal disorders
MSDs are injuries or disorders of the:
o muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and
o supporting structures of the upper and lower
limbs, neck and lower back that are caused,
precipitated, or exacerbated by sudden exertion
or prolonged exposure to physical factors
(e.g. force, repetition, vibration or awkward
posture)
- CDC/NIOSH
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Causes of Sprains & Strains?

They are caused by excessive

reaching, bending, lifting,
gripping, squatting, or twisting of
hands, shoulders or body

Caused by any work performed

with high force, with many
repetitions, or in an awkward
position
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Causes of Sprains & Strains?

A sprain is a stretch or tear of a
ligament (band of fibrous
tissue that connects two or
more bones at a joint);
stretched too far from normal
position
One or more ligaments
may be injured at the same
time
Most common:
- sprained ankle

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Whats the Difference?

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (thick,

tough fibrous cord of tissue that connects a muscle
to a bone)
Can be as simple as overstretching a muscle or
tendon, or it can be a partial or
complete tear
Most common: strained back

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Types of Sprains & Strains

Back injuries, including pulled back muscles and
ruptured discs
Squashed nerves causing severe pain, such as
carpal tunnel in wrist or sciatic leg pain from back
Ligament sprains in the upper body
Shoulder muscle sprains and dislocations
Abdominal hernias
Tendon injuries to the hands, forearms and elbows
(tennis elbow)
Ankle sprains and strains
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How Do They Occur?

Carrying, holding, or restraining items, people or
animals
Lifting, pushing, holding or pulling loads
Working in a fixed position with the back bent,
sitting or standing continuously, or driving vehicles
for long periods
Repetitive tasks such as reaching to lift or lower
objects, or to grip tools continuously
Working in awkward positions involving bending or
twisting your body to reach items
Vibrations through the body like driving a truck or
using a powered hand tool
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Where Do They Occur?

Construction

Agriculture

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Where Do They Occur?

Trucking/transportation

Food services

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Where Do They Occur?

Delivery services

Custodial services

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What are the Signs & Signals?

For a sprain: Pain, swelling,
bruising, not being able to move
the joint

For a strain: Pain, muscle

spasms, muscle weakness,
swelling, cramping, trouble
moving the muscle
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains

FIRST STAGE to reduce swelling and pain
RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) for
the first 24 to 48 hours
1. Rest the injured area (reduce regular exercise or
activities as needed)
2. Ice the injured area, 20 minutes at a time, four to
eight times a day (cold pack, ice bag, or plastic bag
filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel can be
used)

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Treatments for Sprains & Strains

3. Compress the injured area, using bandages, casts,
boots, elastic wraps or splints to help reduce swelling

4. Elevate the injured area, above the level of the heart,

to help decrease swelling while you are lying or sitting
down

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Treatments for Sprains & Strains

Health care provider may recommend an anti-inflammatory
drug such as aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or
acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help decrease pain and
inflammation

If moderate sprain, may require use of mobility aids, such as

a cane, crutches, a walker or wheelchair
If severe sprain, may need surgery to repair torn ligaments,
muscle or tendon
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains

SECOND STAGE Rehabilitation
1. Physical therapy/exercise program:
designed to help reduce swelling, prevent
stiffness and restore normal, pain-free
range of motion (during first week after
injury)

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Treatments for Sprains & Strains

2. Increase strength and flexibility (about
second week after injury); usually more
demanding exercises to improve function

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Treatments for Sprains & Strains

Advanced stretching?

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Treatments for Sprains & Strains

3. Return to full daily activities, including
sports if appropriate; must work closely
with physical therapist to avoid re-injury

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How Much Time to Heal?

Time needed for full recovery:

- Mild sprain/strain: three to six weeks
- Moderate sprain/strain: two to three
months

- Severe sprain/strain: eight to 12

months

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How Can We Prevent This?

Although we cannot prevent all sprains and
strains from occurring, there are some tips on how
to avoid them:
- Stretch before you workout with
heavy items

- Use proper footwear for the

activity you are doing
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How Can We Prevent This?

Warm up adequately
before activities

Do not run on icy/uneven

surfaces
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Summary
Sprains and strains are classified as musculoskeletal disorders
Many causes including carrying, pushing,
lifting, pulling, doing repetitive tasks, or
working in awkward positions
Treat by using RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression,
Elevation)
Prevent by stretching, wearing proper
footwear, using caution while walking
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References

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal

and Skin Diseases/National Institutes of Health

www.niams.nih.gov

Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.com

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

www.aaos.org

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Questions

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