Makindo Medical Notes

🦴 Soft Tissue Injuries (Sprains & Strains)

A sprain = minor damage to a ligament. A strain = minor damage to a muscle or tendon. Both are very common in sports, falls, and everyday activity.

📋 About

• Sprains usually affect joints (e.g. ankle, knee, wrist) where ligaments are overstretched or torn.
• Strains involve overstretching or tearing of muscle fibres or tendons (e.g. hamstring strain, back strain).
• Both conditions cause pain, swelling, bruising, and temporary loss of function — but rarely permanent damage.

🛠️ Management (PRIC(E) Principles)

• 🛡️ Prevent / Protect: Avoid further injury by stopping the activity and supporting the joint.
• 🛏️ Rest: Short period of rest initially, but encourage gradual return to normal activity as symptoms allow.
• ❄️ Ice: Apply wrapped ice packs for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling. Do not place ice directly on skin.
• 🩹 Compression: May reduce swelling, but prolonged use can delay regaining full mobility — use cautiously.
• 🦵 Elevation: Elevate the affected limb to reduce swelling and pain.
• 💊 Analgesia: Paracetamol 1 g QDS + Ibuprofen 400 mg TDS for up to 7 days (if no contraindications). Review pain regularly.
• 📉 Symptoms may worsen slightly at first, then gradually improve with time.
• ⏳ Recovery: Most soft tissue injuries resolve within 4–6 weeks, but some may take longer.
• 🏃‍♀️ Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy can speed recovery, improve strength, and prevent recurrence.

💡 Clinical Pearls

• 🔎 Always check for red flags — inability to bear weight, severe deformity, suspected fracture → may need imaging.
• ⚖️ Encourage early movement once pain allows to avoid stiffness and chronic weakness.
• ⛑️ Most sprains/strains have an excellent prognosis with conservative care.