Conditions

Sprains and Strains

If a muscle is stressed beyond its capability, it becomes strained. Putting undue weight on the muscles and using the muscles for prolonged periods without rest can create muscle strain. A strained muscle may go into spasms or knot up instead of relaxing normally.

If one of the ligaments is wrenched or stretched excessively, the ligament may tear, causing a sprain. Sprains can result from unexpected movement or twisting of the affected area, or from a half fall. The joints most often sprained are the ankle, back, finger, knee and wrist.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Joint instability

Diagnosis:

Most sprains and strains can be diagnosed with a physical examination. However, your doctor may x-ray the affected area to make sure there is no damage to the bone. In some rare cases an MRI may be used to assess the torn ligaments.

Treatment Options:

Treatment centers on rest, ice, compression (tape, etc.), and elevation of the affected joint.

Traditional Treatments:

• After a sprain has been diagnosed, your doctor will immobilize the joint with an elastic bandage, tape, splint, or, possibly, a cast, depending on the severity of the injury.
• An over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen is likely to be recommended. If pain is extremely severe, you may need a stronger prescription pain killer.
  Warning: In excessive amounts, acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
• A muscle relaxant such as diazepam (Valium), methoscarbamol (Robaxin), or carisoprodol (Soma) may be prescribed as an adjunct to other therapy, to decrease discomfort.
• Pain and swelling can be controlled with injections of cortisone. However, this type of treatment is usually reserved for specific situations in which the sprain causes impingement on parts of the joint capsule that can develop into chronic inflammation as a result of friction.
• If muscles, tendons, and/or ligaments are actually torn, they may need to be repaired surgically.
• Strained muscles usually heal on their own in a matter of days to weeks, and the aches and pains subside as healing progresses.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies:

Specific nutrients and herbs may help restore the integrity of connective tissue, reduce inflammation, and provide pain relief.

Nutritional Supplementation:

• To make sure your body has the full range of nutrients it needs for healing, take a good multivitamin and mineral formula daily.
• Bromelain helps to counteract inflammation, inhibit swelling, enhance healing, and reduce pain. Take 250 to 500 mg three times daily, between meals, until the swelling goes away.
• Calcium and magnesium helps repair connective tissue. Take a combination formula supplying 500 to 1,000 mg of calcium and 250 to 500 mg of magnesium once or twice daily.
• Pine-bark and grape-seed extracts are powerful anti-inflammatories. Take 50 to 100 mg of either three times daily for one week.
• Vitamin C is required for tissue repair and fights inflammation. Select a formula that contains the bioflavonoids and take 1,000 mg four or five times daily for one week, then reduce to 500 to 1,000 mg two or three times daily until healing is complete.
• Zinc helps the healing process. Take 25 mg twice daily for two weeks.
• Chondroitin sulfate offers nutritional support for strengthening joints, ligaments and tendons. Take 500 to 1,000 mg daily.
• Glucosamine sulfate is very important for the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial fluid. Follow label directions.
• Methylsulfonylmethone (MSM) is a sulfur compound needed for reducing pain and inflammation. Take 500 to 1,000 mg three times daily.

Alternative Therapies:

• Boswellia is good for reducing inflammation.
• Fenugreek and flaxseed powder can be combined with slippery elm bark to make a poultice for swelling.
• Green tea and nettle leaf have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Goldenseal poultices are good for reducing inflammation.
• Horse, chestnut extract gel, applied topically to the injured area, can reduce swelling and inflammation.
• Mustard poultices are good for swelling and can relax tense muscles.
• After the initial treatment of applying ice to the injury, combine tumeric and a little hot water to make a paste. Apply this mixture to the injured area with a gauze dressing. This treatment helps to reduce swelling. It is also good for bruising.
• A poultice of onion and comfrey is an old-time remedy that has anti-inflammatory action.

General Recommendations:

• If you are recovering from a sprain, follow your doctor's advice concerning rest, restrictions on activity, and other measures to promote healing.
• If a strain is widespread and severe, resume your regular exercise routine and other activities slowly. Ease back gradually.