Strain and Sprains Treatment Specialist in Houston, TX

A sprain and a strain are distinct injuries with similar symptoms. A sprain occurs when ligaments, the connective tissues joining two bones in a joint, are overstretched or torn. In contrast, a strain is an injury to muscles or tendons, which are dense fibrous cords connecting muscles to bones.

Both injuries can lead to symptoms like swelling, reduced range of motion, limited flexibility, and pain around the affected joint due to their comparable nature. However, distinguishing features include bruising around the affected joint for a sprain and muscle spasms for a strain.

Normally, muscles gently contract to prevent overstretching, but sudden twists or jolts can exert more force than the tissues can withstand. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, can occur suddenly and may occasionally become recurrent or worsen over time.

Sprains are frequently observed in areas like the thumb, ankle, and knee, while strains tend to occur in regions such as the calf, groin, and hamstring.

Determining the relative seriousness of a strain versus a sprain is not straightforward, as their severity varies depending on the specific circumstances of the injury. The degree of seriousness ranges across these classifications.

In the case of sprains, mild instances involve the stretching of a ligament without destabilizing the joint. In contrast, severe sprains entail complete ligament tears or their detachment from the bone, resulting in disrupted joint functionality.

On the other hand, severe strains occur when there is a partial or complete rupture of the muscle, tendon, or both, leading to significant injury. Strains can also manifest as acute or chronic, acute strains arise from muscle or tendon stretching or pulling, while chronic strains result from the prolonged and repetitive use of these tissues.

Both sprains and strains are graded, with grade one being the mildest and grade three representing the most severe. Grade one signifies overstretching, grade two indicates a partial tear, and grade three denotes a complete tear. The seriousness of a sprain or strain may not be immediately evident, so when in doubt, seeking care from specialized professionals, such as those at the ROC Reconstructive Orthopedic Center, is the best course of action.

The duration required for the healing of a sprain or strain is largely contingent upon the injury’s severity. In most cases, mild to moderate sprains and strains may typically heal within about two weeks. However, caution is advised, as strenuous activities may need to be avoided for up to two months, even with these milder injuries.

On the other hand, severe sprains and strains may necessitate several months for a return to normal function. The extent of the sprain or strain significantly affects the healing timeline, and the proper precautions and care taken during recovery are pivotal in the healing process.

Receiving treatment at a specialized facility like the ROC Reconstructive Orthopedic Center can help expedite the healing process for sprains and strains, ensuring the best possible outcome in terms of recovery time.

The diagnosis of a sprain or strain typically involves a medical examination. A doctor will conduct a physical assessment to inspect for signs of swelling and tenderness in the affected area of the body. This evaluation may also entail manipulating joints and limbs into various positions to pinpoint the specific area that has been injured. In some cases, diagnostic tools such as X-rays or MRIs may be employed to assist in the diagnosis.

Strains are akin to sprains in their varying degrees of severity. An individual can experience muscle or tendon overstretching, which may necessitate treatment with rest at home.

Alternatively, there may be partial or complete tendon tears that could potentially require surgical intervention. Healthcare providers may then assign the injury a level on a grading system, ranging from one to three, to categorize the injury’s severity.

The type and severity of the sprain or strain play a crucial role in guiding the healthcare provider toward the most suitable treatment strategy for a complete recovery.

Sprains and strain treatment specialists are available at ROC Reconstructive Orthopedic Center. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 1200 Binz St #100, Houston, TX 77004. We serve patients from Houston TX, Midtown TX, Montrose TX, MacGregor TX, South Central Houston TX, Old Braeswood TX, and surrounding areas.