Sprains & Strains
Presented by:
Risk Management
Department
Nueces County
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Topics of Discussion
• Sprains and strains – what are they?
• Causes
• Difference between sprains and strains
• Common types
• How and where they occur
• Signs, symptoms, treatment
• Ways to prevent
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What are Sprains & Strains?
• Sprains and strains are two types of MSDs, or
musculoskeletal disorders
• MSD’s are injuries or disorders of the:
o muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and
o supporting structures of the upper and lower
limbs, neck and lower back that are caused,
precipitated, or exacerbated by sudden exertion
or prolonged exposure to physical factors
(e.g. force, repetition, vibration or awkward
posture)
- CDC/NIOSH
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Causes of Sprains & Strains?
• They are caused by excessive
reaching, bending, lifting,
gripping, squatting, or twisting of
hands, shoulders or body
• Caused by any work performed
with high force, with many
repetitions, or in an awkward
position
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Causes of Sprains & Strains?
• A sprain is a stretch or tear of a
ligament (band of fibrous
tissue that connects two or
more bones at a joint);
stretched too far from normal
position
• One or more ligaments
may be injured at the same
time
• Most common:
- sprained ankle
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What’s the Difference?
• A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (thick,
tough fibrous cord of tissue that connects a muscle
to a bone)
• Can be as simple as overstretching a muscle or
tendon, or it can be a partial or
complete tear
• Most common: strained back
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Types of Sprains & Strains
• Back injuries, including pulled back muscles and
ruptured discs
• Squashed nerves causing severe pain, such as
carpal tunnel in wrist or sciatic leg pain from back
• Ligament sprains in the upper body
• Shoulder muscle sprains and dislocations
• Abdominal hernias
• Tendon injuries to the hands, forearms and elbows
(tennis elbow)
• Ankle sprains and strains
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How Do They Occur?
• Carrying, holding, or restraining items, people or
animals
• Lifting, pushing, holding or pulling loads
• Working in a fixed position with the back bent,
sitting or standing continuously, or driving vehicles
for long periods
• Repetitive tasks such as reaching to lift or lower
objects, or to grip tools continuously
• Working in awkward positions involving bending or
twisting your body to reach items
• Vibrations through the body like driving a truck or
using a powered hand tool
PPT-053-01
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Where Do They Occur?
•
Construction & Road Work
• Agriculture & Grounds
Maintenance
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Where Do They Occur?
•
Trucking & Transportation
• Office Work & Food services
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Where Do They Occur?
•
Delivery & Moving
•
Custodial & Maintenance
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What are the Signs & Signals?
• For a sprain: Pain, swelling,
bruising, not being able to move
the joint
• For a strain: Pain, muscle
spasms, muscle weakness,
swelling, cramping, trouble
moving the muscle
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains
• FIRST STAGE – to reduce swelling and pain
• RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate)
for the first 24 to 48 hours
1. Rest the injured area (reduce regular exercise or
activities as needed)
2. Ice the injured area, 20 minutes at a time, four to
eight times a day (cold pack, ice bag, or plastic bag
filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel can be
used)
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains
3. Compress the injured area, using bandages, casts,
boots, elastic wraps or splints to help reduce swelling
4. Elevate the injured area, above the level of the heart,
to help decrease swelling while you are lying or sitting
down
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains
• Health care provider may recommend an anti-inflammatory
drug such as aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or
acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help decrease pain and
inflammation
• If moderate sprain, may require use of mobility aids, such as
a cane, crutches, a walker or wheelchair
• If severe sprain, may need surgery to repair torn ligaments,
muscle or tendon
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains
• SECOND STAGE – Rehabilitation
1. Physical therapy/exercise program:
designed to help reduce swelling, prevent
stiffness and restore normal, pain-free
range of motion (during first week after
injury)
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains
2. Increase strength and flexibility (about
second week after injury); usually more
demanding exercises to improve function
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains
Advanced stretching?
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Treatments for Sprains & Strains
3. Return to full daily activities, including
sports if appropriate; must work closely
with physical therapist to avoid re-injury
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How Much Time to Heal?
• Time needed for full recovery:
- Mild sprain/strain: three to six weeks
- Moderate sprain/strain: two to three
months
- Severe sprain/strain: eight to 12
months
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How Can We Prevent This?
• Although we cannot prevent all sprains and
strains from occurring, there are some tips on how
to avoid them:
- Stretch before you workout or
move heavy items
- Wear proper footwear for the
activity you are doing
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How Can We Prevent This?
• Warm up adequately
before activities
• Be aware and avoid slippery/
uneven surfaces. If unable
to, proceed with CAUTION.
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Summary
• Sprains and strains are classified as muscularskeletal disorders
• Many causes including carrying, pushing,
lifting, pulling, doing repetitive tasks, or
working in awkward positions
• Treat by using RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression,
Elevation)
• Prevent by stretching, wearing proper
footwear, using caution while walking
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Questions?
Contact Risk Management
Risk Manager: Lance C Esswein
Emergency & Risk Management
Specialist: Martha Sanchez
Phone: 361-888-0401
FAX: 361-888-0403
Email:
lance.esswein@co.nueces.tx.us
martha.sanchez@co.nueces.tx.us
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