Sprains and Strains

Sprains and Strains services offered in Corona and Ontario, CA

Sprains and strains are common injuries that affect people of all ages. If you experience a strain or a sprain while working or playing sports, it’s vital to seek treatment. Early intervention can reduce the risk of complications and help your body heal. At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle, podiatrists Norris Morrison, DPM, Lateef Lawal, DPM, Brian Constantine, DPM, and the team provides complete care for sprains and strains. To make an appointment, call the office in Ontario or Corona, California, or book online today.

What are sprains and strains?

Sprains and strains are injuries that affect your soft tissues. Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there are differences:

Sprains

A sprain is a soft tissue injury characterized by overextended ligaments. Ligaments are thick cords of connective tissue that hold your bones together.

Strains

A strain is similar to a sprain. The difference is that strains affect your muscles and tendons. Tendons are a type of soft tissue that connect your bones to your muscles.

What are the symptoms of sprains and strains?

Symptoms of sprains and strains include:

Bruising
Joint pain
Swelling
Limited flexibility
Muscle spasms

Depending on the location of the sprain or strain, you might also have difficulty standing up or putting weight on the affected limb.

What causes sprains and strains?

The team at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle treats sprains and strains caused by:

Sports injuries
Work accidents
Lifting heavy objects
Overexerting yourself
Sitting or standing in an awkward position

The team also treats sprains and strains caused by repetitive motions and general wear-and-tear.

How are sprains and strains diagnosed?

The Advanced Care Foot and Ankle team diagnoses sprains and strains during an in-office visit.

First, your provider asks about your symptoms and reviews your medical records. Then, they carefully examine your foot and ankle, looking for redness, swelling, or bruising. Your provider also tests your ankle’s range of motion and flexibility.

Most sprains and strains are visible to the eye, but if your provider suspects a more serious issue, like a fracture or a dislocated joint, they might order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.

How are sprains and strains treated?

Treatment of sprains and strains depends on several factors, including your age, the location of the injury, and the severity of your symptoms. Depending on your needs, the team at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle might recommend:

Rest
Ice
Compression
Elevation
Anti-inflammatory medication
Activity modification
Immobilization with a cast or a splint

If you have damaged or torn ligaments or tendons, surgery might be necessary. That’s especially true if your symptoms make it difficult to stand, walk, or work without pain.

To explore the treatment options for sprains and strains, make an appointment at Advanced Care Foot and Ankle by calling the nearest office or booking online today.