Ouch! I Rolled My Ankle! - Strain or Sprain?

Ouch! I Rolled My Ankle! – Strain or Sprain?

June 16, 2017

Learn the difference between strains and sprains, and how these injuries are treated.

Strains and sprains happen all the time, and can be very painful. The severity of the injury depends on the damage that occurs, and how many muscles or ligaments are involved. Knowing what to do if a strain or sprain happens to you will help you to heal properly, and get you back to normal activity as quickly as possible.

What is a Sprain?

Ligaments are the ropes of tissue that connect our bones at our joints. When the ligaments are pulled too far, or torn, this is known as a sprain. Therefore, only areas of our bodies connected by joints can be sprained – including ankles, wrists, thumbs, and knees.

What is a Strain?

In contrast, a strain involves injury to either a muscle or tendon. A tendon is the tissue that connects the muscles to the bones. If a muscle or tendon is pulled too far, or torn, that is known as a strain. A strain can occur anywhere there is muscle, but back or hamstring strains are most common.

How Will I Know if I Have a Sprain?

Only a medical professional can diagnose a sprain, but common symptoms include:
• Pain where the injury occurred
• Swelling or bruising around the joint
• An inability to move or use the joint
• Some people have reported hearing a “pop” when the sprain occurs

How Will I Know if I Have a Strain?

• Pain in the affected area
• Swelling
• Muscle spasms and muscle weakness
• Cramping
• The muscle might be hard to move

Once the medical professional evaluates your injury and determines you have a sprain or strain, he or she will likely recommend the RICE method be used for the first 24 – 48 hours to prevent long-term damage and speed healing:
• Rest the injured area. That means you must refrain from putting weight on or using the injured ligament or muscle. This might mean using crutches.
• Ice the injury for 20 minutes at a time, perhaps up to 8 times per day, to help with the swelling
• Compress the injured muscle or ligament. The medical professional might recommend the use of special boots, splints, casts, or bandages. Follow the practitioner’s recommendation of how tight to keep these devices
• Elevate the injured area. Prop the injured body part up on a pillow

The medical professional might also recommend that you start gently exercising the injured body part after the swelling goes down – to prevent stiffness. In some cases, physical therapy may be ordered to help you strengthen the injured area.

Most strains and sprains take several weeks to heal completely. Be careful to follow medical advice about the amount of time you should wait before returning to normal activity. If you return too soon, you could risk long-term injury.

Feedback

The entire staff was very caring. I had my toddler with me and she was a bit rowdy and they gave her crayons with coloring pages and stickers and even a lollipop to help keep her occupied.

Tanya C.

My son scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to one of the woman in the front, saying that is say how his ears hurt, she accepted it and posted it on the artwork wall, when the PA came in to see him he was made to feel like a big deal because he had known about the paper. This is a place where the staff really cares about their patients and go the extra mile for them

Ron M.

Have been there a few times and hey have always been very fast, kind, courteous and welcoming. Always very helpful especially the front desk. The employee Heather helped me with pharmacy, paperwork and everything I needed help with. Only quick care I go too because of her.

Sapphire B.

I absolutely love our nurse Tiffany. She made our visit so comfortable. I had two very sick little boys who did not want to go to the Dr. She made the at ease in an instant and she took such great care of them. This was at the Quick care on 441 in Ocala Fl. I'll go back to this one because of her. And recommended to all my friends and family. Thanks so much!

Ray L

A Big THANK YOU, to the Staff at Quick Care Med, in Dunnellon!! My Husband was seen, for a couple different ailments, during his visit,, and the Two Practitioners who worked with Him, were AWESOME! They treated my Big, 200 pound, 6 ft. "Baby",, with Respect, Dignity, and Professionalism, and just the right amount of Calming Firmness!! Lol... he's afraid of Needles, and Doctor Offices, in general and I must say, that GWEN, & DEBBIE, were very good to him! Prices for services rendered, were ve

Cindy J.

Great sweet people

Myranda W

I was there yesterday and I've never felt so shocked. The 3 girls I interacted with were the most pleasant and friendly caregivers I've ever dealt with. Idr the rep's name, but she was quick and prompt at taking all my info and with minimal Qs (kinda hard to answer when I have a cold), then Alexis took over. Very sympathetic, nice, and helpful. Then the physician saw me and was charismatic and very funny. Trying to keep me in good spirits. It was like all 3 were happy to be at their posts and to

Julio R

Anytime, we've ever been there, all of the physicians are very caring and helpful, they don't rush or make you feel unimportant... I wish we could have them as our GP

Di C.

Very friendly,professional. Very caring of patients.Victoria was excellent. Took time to listen and made you feel comfortable.

Breonna S

We had Zaib Kahn as the provider and NEVER have I seen such a good bedside manner, as they call it! AND he personally called this a.m. to ask how my husband is feeling! (The pharmacy was closed when we left the ofc., and they asked us to allow until 11 to pick up the RXs, but that's NOT YOUR fault ;D I'm thrilled w/ Mr. Kahn's service and may well use your clinic for ALL my medical needs!!!! THANK YOU

Frank R

Professional staff, caring and organized. Prompt service for DOT related visits.

John S

The absolute BEST! Everyone here is so nice! We've had to come in a few times & they've always taken great care of us. We're usually out within 20-30 min. All the girls up front are very nice & helpful (you don't find that too often), so is the girl that takes your vitals. Dr B is the amazing! He takes his time to listen to what's wrong & always has a big smile. If we could have this office as our primary care location we would

Ryan M

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