Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are types of injuries. A sprain is an injury to a ligament while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon.

Ligaments and tendons are made of fibrous tissue. They connect different parts of the body. Ligaments are found at the joints, where they join bones together. Tendons attach muscles to bone.

Causes of Sprains and Strains

A sudden stretching, twisting, or tearing of a ligament causes a sprain. This injury can happen when a child falls or suffers a hit to the body. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees, or wrists.

A pulling or tearing of a muscle or a tendon causes a strain. This type of injury can happen suddenly, such as when a child overstretches a muscle. Or it can happen over time if a child overuses a muscle or tendon. Overuse can occur during activities that require similar movements to be repeated over and over.

Children Who Are at Risk for Sprains and Strains

Active teens or those who play sports are most at risk for a sprain or a strain. These injuries are not common in younger children. That is because their growth plates are weaker than the muscles or tendons. Growth plates are areas of bone growth at the ends of long bones. Instead, younger children are more likely to have broken bones.

Symptoms of Sprains and Strains

Symptoms may occur a bit differently in each child. Symptoms of a sprain or a strain often depend on the severity of the injury. Below are the most common symptoms your child may feel in the injured area:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Warmth, bruising, or redness
• Weakness
• Trouble using or moving the injured area in a normal way

These symptoms may look like other health problems. Make sure your child sees their doctor for a diagnosis.

Diagnosing Sprains and Strains

Your child's doctor makes the diagnosis with a physical exam. During the exam, they ask about your child's health history and how the injury happened.

Your child may also need:

• X-rays. This test makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs.
• MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
• CT scan. This test uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general X-rays.

Treating Sprains and Strains

Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Initial treatment for a sprain or a strain includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Other treatment choices may include:

• Pain medicines, such as ibuprofen
• Activity restrictions
• Splint or cast
• Crutches or wheelchair
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the injured muscles, ligaments, and tendons
• Surgery, especially if the injury reoccurs or if a muscle, tendon, or ligament is badly torn

Sprains and strains usually heal quite quickly in children and teens. Make sure your child follows any activity restrictions and stretching and strengthening exercises to prevent reinjury. The risk for reinjury is greater in the first 2 months, but can occur even after that.

What You Can Do to Prevent Sprains and Strains in Your Child

Many sprains and strains are sports injuries. They are from either injury or overuse of muscles or joints. Many sports injuries can be prevented by:

• Warming up first
• Training and conditioning correctly
• Wearing the right protective gear
• Using the right equipment

You can help your child prevent overuse injuries by making sure your child:

• Sets aside 1 to 2 days per week for rest from competitive sports and training
• Takes breaks from a specific sport during the year
• Focuses on fun, skill-building, safety, and sportsmanship when playing sports

When You Should Contact Your Child's Doctor

Contact your child's doctor if:

• There is a prolonged, visible deformity of the affected area
• Severe pain prevents the use of the ligament, tendon, or muscle
• The affected area is still unstable after the sprain or strain has healed