Sprains and Strains
Adults and Teens
Infants and Children
Sprains and strains are common injuries, especially in people involved in sports or physical activities. Sprains occur when ligaments (tissues that hold bones together) are stretched or torn from twisting or falling. This can lead to pain, bruising, and swelling. Strains occur when muscles or tendons (tissues that connect muscle to bone) are stretched or torn. This can cause pain, muscle spasms or weakness, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint or limb.
Can I treat this at home or do I need a doctor?
You should see a doctor right away for a sprain or strain if you:
- have an obvious fracture (bone is sticking out or making a grating noise)
- can't move your limb or joint
- feel that your joint is unstable or you can't bear weight on an injured leg
- have severe pain and swelling
- have a fever higher than 37.8°C
- are still experiencing symptoms after 2 weeks or more
Home treatment
Non-medication treatment
Try the RICE strategy if it has been less than 48 hours after your injury.
Rest:
- Rest the injured area for the first 24 hours to give it time to heal.
Ice:
- Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables to the injured area for about 20 minutes every few hours (4 to 8 times a day). Don't apply ice for more than 20 minutes at a time to avoid frostbite.
- Ice helps reduce swelling and pain by causing blood vessels in the area to constrict.
Compression:
- Wrap an elastic bandage or wrap around the injured area for the first 24 hours. This reduces swelling by adding pressure to the area.
- Compression also adds extra support to the joint as it heals.
- Avoid wrapping the bandage too tightly so that blood flow isn't restricted
Elevation:
- Keep the injured limb raised above the level of the heart to stop fluids from pooling in tissues and causing swelling.
If it has been more than 48 hours and the swelling has gone down:
- Use heat rather than ice. Heat helps relax the muscles and reduce joint stiffness and pain. Apply a hot water bottle or heating pad for about 20 minutes every few hours. Test the temperature of the heat source before applying it to your skin to avoid burns.
- Depending on the severity of your injury, it may be possible to start gently moving the injured area as it continues to heal. Talk to your doctor or health care professional about possible options that are right for you. Your doctor may recommend wearing a splint or brace to keep the injured limb from moving.
Over-the-counter medications
Pain relievers*
- Acetaminophen and anti-inflammatories such as ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), ibuprofen, or naproxen can reduce pain caused by sprains and strains.
Ask your pharmacist which over-the-counter medication is right for you.
What not to do
Here are some things you shouldn't try and why:
- You should not give acetylsalicylic acid* (ASA) to people younger than 18 years old because of risk of Reye's syndrome.
- Aside from the compression required as part of the RICE treatment (i.e., elastic wrap or bandage), don't put additional pressure on the injured area until the pain goes away. Doing so can make the injury worse before it gets better.
- Don't take prolonged rest. Activity restriction is recommended for the first 2 to 3 days, but prolonged resting and not moving will weaken your muscles. If your sprain or strain is mild, you should start to gently move the injured area after the first 48 to 72 hours. Gradually build up the intensity of your activities over time. Talk to your doctor about how you should proceed.
* All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®). The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen). A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article lists medications by their common names. For information on a given medication, check our Drug Information database. For more information on brand names, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
What to expect
You should start to feel better in 2 to 3 days. It can often take weeks for a strain or sprain to heal, so be patient and avoid activities that could worsen the injury.
You should see a doctor if:
- the symptoms (pain and swelling) haven't improved after 14 days
- you are taking a pain reliever but find that your symptoms are getting worse
Learn more
