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Sprains and strains are among the most
common injuries in all sports, including soccer.
Here are some facts about sprains and
strains from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a
ligament, the fibrous band of connective tissue that joins the end of
one bone with another. Ligaments stabilize and support the body's
joints. For example, ligaments in the knee connect the upper leg with
the lower leg, enabling people to walk and run.
What is a strain?
A strain is a twist, pull and/or tear of
a muscle and/or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that
attach muscles to bone.
What causes sprains and strains?
A sprain is caused by direct or indirect
trauma (a fall, a blow to the body, etc.) that knocks a joint out of
position, and overstretches, and, in severe cases, ruptures the
supporting ligaments. Typically, this injury occurs when an individual
lands on an outstretched arm; slides into a base; jumps up and lands
on the side of the foot; or runs on an uneven surface.
Chronic strains are the result of
overuse - prolonged, repetitive movement - of muscles and tendons.
Inadequate rest breaks during intensive training precipitates a
strain. Acute strains are caused by a direct blow to the body,
overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction.
Who gets sprains and strains?
Professional and amateur athletes and
the general public, as well, can sustain this injury. People at risk
for the injury have a history of sprains and strains, are overweight,
and are in poor physical condition.
What activities make athletes most
susceptible to sprains and strains?
All sports and exercises, even walking,
carry a risk of sprains. The anatomic areas most at risk for a sprain
depend on the specific activities involved. For example, basketball,
volleyball, soccer, and other jumping sports share a risk for foot,
leg, and ankle sprains. Soccer, football, hockey, boxing, wrestling,
and other contact sports put athletes at risk for strains. So do
sports that feature quick starts (hurdling, long jump, running races,
etc.). Gymnastics, tennis, rowing, golf-sports that require extensive
gripping-have a high incidence of hand strains. Elbow strains
frequently occur in racquet, throwing, and contact sports.
What are the signs of a sprain?
While the intensity varies, pain,
bruising, and inflammation are common to all three categories of
sprains-mild, moderate, severe. The individual will usually feel a
tear or pop in the joint. A severe sprain produces excruciating pain
at the moment of injury, as ligaments tear completely, or separate
from the bone. This loosening makes the joint nonfunctional. A
moderate sprain partially tears the ligament, producing joint
instability, and some swelling. A ligament is stretched in a mild
sprain, but there is no joint loosening.
What are the signs of a strain?
Typical indications include pain, muscle
spasm, muscle weakness, swelling, inflammation, and cramping. In
severe strains, the muscle and/or tendon is partially or completely
ruptured, often incapacitating the individual. Some muscle function
will be lost with a moderate strain, where the muscle/tendon is
overstretched and slightly torn. With a mild strain, the muscle/tendon
is stretched or pulled, slightly. Some common strains are:
-
Back strain. When the muscles
that support the spine are twisted, pulled, or torn, the result is a
back strain. Athletes who engage in excessive jumping (during
basketball, volleyball, etc.) are vulnerable to this injury.
-
Hamstring muscle strain. A
hamstring muscle strain is a tear or stretch of a major muscle in
the back of the thigh. The injury can sideline a person for up to
six months. The likely cause is muscle strength imbalance between
the hamstrings and the muscles in the front of the thigh, the
quadriceps. Kicking a football, running, or leaping to make a basket
can pull a hamstring. Hamstring injuries tend to recur.
How are sprains and strains treated?
Rest, ice, compression and elevation
usually will help minimize the damage. It is important in all but mild
cases for a medical doctor to evaluate the injury and establish a
treatment and rehabilitation plan. A severe sprain or strain may
require surgery or immobilization followed by months of therapy. Mild
sprains and strains may require rehabilitation exercises and activity
modification during recovery.
Prevention tips
No one is immune to sprains and strains,
but here are some tips developed by the American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons to help reduce your injury risk:
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Participate in a conditioning program
to build muscle strength
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Do stretching exercises daily
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Always wear properly fitting shoes
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Nourish your muscles by eating a
well-balanced diet
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Warm up before any sports activity,
including practice
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Use or wear protective equipment
appropriate for that sport
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