Sprains and Strains Treatment Specialist in Cincinnati, OH

Sprains and strains share many of the same symptoms, despite being technically different injuries. However, since they both affect soft tissues in your body, it can be difficult to tell them apart when they happen. With that in mind, the following are some of the shared symptoms of sprains and strains:

• Bruising, redness, or swelling
• Decreased range of motion in the injured joint or muscle
• Pain and tenderness in and around the injured area

In addition to the symptoms listed above, a sprain may also occur with a popping sound or sensation around a particular joint at the time of the injury. Other symptoms of a sprain could include a feeling of warmth around the affected joint and joint stiffness or instability.

In contrast, a strain often occurs with muscle spasms, cramping, and weakness, in addition to a sharp pain where the injury happens.

The difference between a sprain and a strain is the type of soft tissue damage that occurs with each injury. With a strain, the muscles are torn or stretched too far. In contrast, a sprain occurs when a ligament is torn or stretched too far.

The length of time that sprains and strains take to heal varies according to the severity of the injury. The severity of both sprains and strains are classified in degrees, with first-degree indicating mild sprains or strains, second-degree indicating moderate sprains or strains, and third-degree indicating severe sprains or strains.

A first-degree sprain or strain should heal and feel better within a few days to two weeks. With first-degree sprains or strains, the ligaments and muscles are stretched but not torn. A second-degree sprain or strain, wherein the ligaments and muscles are partially torn, should heal and feel normal within three to eight weeks. In contrast, a severe, third-degree sprain or strain, wherein the ligaments or muscles are completely torn, will likely take three months or more to heal fully and feel back to normal.

While mild sprains and strains can usually be treated at home without medical attention, you should see a doctor if you are experiencing any of the following with your sprain or strain:

• Difficulty moving or walking after straining a back muscle
• Experience a popping sensation whenever you move a sprained joint
• Heat and redness around the injured muscle or joint accompanied by a fever
• Inability to move or bear weight on an injured joint
• Pain, stiffness, or swelling does not show improvement within two to three days
• Recurrent sprains or strains in a particular area or in general
• Total inability to move an injured muscle

If you experience a sprain or strain that requires medical attention, Eastside Urgent Care can provide swift and effective treatment to help you recover well. For more information about sprain or strain treatment, please feel welcome to give us a Call us today or book an appointment, or visit our clinic. Our office is open seven days a week: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. For more information, contact us or book a same-day priority appointment. We are conveniently located at 872 Ohio Pike Cincinnati, OH 45245. We serve patients from Cincinnati OH, Covedale OH, Delhi OH, St Bernard OH, Wilders KY, and Elmwood Place OH.