Strains and sprains are soft tissue injuries of ligaments and muscles. Ankle sprains a common form of soft tissue injury seen in community care. Muscle strains or ‘pulls’ are very commonly in sports which involve sprinting or jumping. Injury can be due to over-stretching the muscle i.e. gym activities or causing the muscle to contract too strongly.
Cuases
- Strenuous Gym Activity
- Sporting Injury
- Accidents
Referral Criteria
A&E Referral:
- Unexplained deformity
- Limited limb movement
- Swelling
- Chills and malaise accompanying the injury
GP referral:
- Unusual bruising or excess bruising needs to be ruled out of more serious underlying disease such as leukaemia.
- Bruising as a result from side effects of some drugs, e.g. steroids, carbimazole.
- Excessive bruising as a result of anticoagulants should also be referred urgently as this is likely to be caused by haemorrhage due to the worng dosing
DIfferntial diagnosis
- If the patient finds it difficult to bear weight and bone tenderness is present a fracture may have occurred.
- A referral for further investigation is needed if there are signs of tendon rupture, damage to cartilage, nerve injury or tendonitis.
Patient Tips
- Warm ups and stretching are seen be beneficial
- Strength and endurance training
- External ankle supports have been shown to reduce the likelihood of ankle injury.