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Sprains, strains, and contusions. We hear these words from time to time but do we know what they really are? How serious are they? And what can be done about them?

Sprains, strains and contusions are types of soft-tissue injuries arising from falls, athletic activities, overexertion or accidents.

A strain is a minor injury which is caused by an overstretched muscle or tendon due to excessive use or excessive effort. It is sometimes called a “pulled muscle.”

This usually affects the lower back since most people don’t know how to lift, pull or push heavy objects correctly and how to distribute their weight when doing so. The ankle is another area prone to strains because of its anatomical weakness, exposed position, and the stress it sustains. But strains can occur in any joint in the body like the elbow, knee, wrist, finger, and neck.

Many athletes suffer from strains but other people are not exempted from these injuries because of their daily activities.

Symptoms are swelling, discomfort, and pain in the affected area. This can be relieved with rest, the use of hot or cold packs, and elevating the injured area to reduce swelling.

In a sprain, it is the ligament that holds a joint together that is injured. This occurs when the joint is twisted and the ligament is overstretched and torn.

A severe sprain is characterized by rapid swelling and discoloration of the skin due to internal bleeding of torn vessels. There is much pain that the affected area can’t be moved. Again, the ankle is susceptible to this type of injury but a sprain can affect the knees, fingers or any joint in the body.

Mild sprains can be treated with rest and immobility but serious cases may require casts, braces or even surgery.

If the ankle or knee joint is sprained, the victim shouldn’t walk and the injured area should be elevated. Cold compresses – not heat – should be applied for 24 hours. If pain and swelling persist or increase, call a doctor. An x-ray may be necessary to rule out the possibility of a fracture.

A contusions or bruise is an injury caused by a blow, blunt object or fall. This is marked by swelling and discoloration but the skin is not broken. Common examples are the black eye from a punch and the black and blue marks from a fall. In these cases, an ice bag and enough rest can remedy the problem.

The color of a bruise is due to small blood vessels under the skin that break in an injury. Leaking blood spreads around the area and forms a clot. The clot is red then becomes blue, brownish, and finally yellowish as the blood is absorbed.

Obese and anemic people bruise more easily than others while some women have bruises during their monthly periods.

Bruises can also signal serious injuries. A large bruise on the scalp may indicate a fractured skull or brain hemorrhage while a small bruise on the upper right abdomen may mean a ruptured liver. Consult a doctor if you have any doubts as to the nature of your bruise.

Your doctor may prescribe painkillers depending on your condition. To be on the safe side, take a natural supplement like Flexcerin. This product relieves pain and inflammation so you can do what you want to do. Check out http://www.flexcerin.com for details.

About the Author: Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine http://www.thearticleinsiders.com.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

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