Both strains and sprains are really common. In fact, about 25,000 people sprain an ankle each day. Both injuries have some common symptoms like pain, swelling and limited movement, but they’re different.
Strains = muscle injuries, as in a stretched or torn muscle/ tendon
Sprains = ligament injuries, as in a stretched or torn ligament that connects bones at a joint.
Thankfully, treating both kinds of injury take the same, simple approach.
How to Treat Strains and Sprains
Remember to RICE for 1 to 2 days
- Rest: Try to limit your activity on your injured area so it can recover.
- Ice: Use a covered ice pack for no more than 20 minutes at a time, 4 to 8 times a day to avoid frost bite.
- Compress: Use elastic wraps, air casts or splints or your own choice of wrap to apply gentle pressure to your injury. This can also help reduce swelling.
- Elevate: Keep your injury raised above your heart with something soft like a pillow to reduce swelling.
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