First Aid: Strains and Sprains

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Ever wonder what people mean when they say they have a sprain or strain? Do you know what to do to help? Suzanne's guest, Bradley Fenton, M.D., Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson Medical College, explains the difference between the injuries and how to treat them.

The difference between a strain and sprain is determined by what soft tissue has been affected. A strain refers to injuries that affect muscles or tendons - the tissues that connect muscles to bones. A sprain is a damaged or torn ligament - the tissues that connect bones to bones.

Some easy ways to prevent sprains and strains include warming up for five to seven minutes before exercising, wearing shoes with non-skid soles and maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet to keep muscles strong. But if an injury has already occurred, remember the RICE acronym:

• Rest
• Ice
• Compression
• Elevation

If you experience significant pain and swelling in the minutes following an incident, it's likely that you have a strain or sprain. The amount of pain and swelling depends on the extent of the damage. If you are unsure about the seriousness of an injury or how to deal with it, seek medical attention. Proper treatment is important to help prevent future injury.