SPRAINS

AND
STRAINS
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SPRAINS
- a stretching or tearing of
ligaments — the tough bands of
fibrous tissue that connect two
bones together in your joints. The
most common location for a
sprain is in your ankle.
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Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the
severity of the injury, and may include:
× Pain
× Swelling
× Bruising
× Limited ability to move the affected joint
× Hearing or feeling a "pop" in your joint at the time of
injury
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Causes
Ankle — Walking or exercising on an
uneven surface, landing awkwardly
from a jump
Knee — Pivoting during an athletic
activity
Wrist — Landing on an outstretched
hand during a fall
Thumb — Skiing injury or
overextension when playing
racquet sports, such as tennis
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STRAINS
- pulled muscle, occurs when
your muscle is overstretched or
torn. This usually occurs as a
result of fatigue, overuse, or
improper use of a muscle.
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Signs and Symptoms

× sudden onset of pain
× soreness
× limited range of movement
× bruising or discoloration
× swelling
× a “knotted-up” feeling
× muscle spasms
× stiffness
× weakness
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Causes
× not warming up properly before physical activity
× poor flexibility
× poor conditioning
× overexertion and fatigue
× slip or lose your footing
× jump
× run
× throw something
× lift something heavy
× lift something while in you’re in an awkward position
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First Aid Technique

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Prevention
People can help to prevent sprains and strains by:
• Strengthening muscles around joints: Regular
conditioning and stability exercises can build a
strong skeletal framework and help prevent injuries.
• Warm up properly before exercise: Warming up
the muscles increases their range of movement and
helps to avoid trauma and tears to connective
tissue.
• Wear appropriate footwear: Shoes with proper
support can help to protect the ankle and knee
joints.
× Be aware of your environment: Watching
out for slippery or uneven surfaces, or
obstacles that may cause an accident, can
help prevent injuries.
× Take breaks: Sitting or standing in one
position for too long or performing repetitive
actions can put undue strain on the muscles.
People can take regular breaks and stretch
to release the muscles.
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Thanks!