Sprains & Strains

1. Presented by: Risk Management Department Nueces County Sprains & Strains 1

2. Sprains and strains – what are they? • Causes • Difference between sprains and strains • Common types • How and where they occur • Signs, symptoms, treatment • Ways to prevent Topics of Discussion 2

3. Sprains and strains are two types of MSDs, or • musculoskeletal disorders • MSD’s areinjuries or disorders of the: • muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and • supporting structures of the upper and lower limbs, neck and lower back that are caused, precipitated, or exacerbated by sudden exertion or prolonged exposure to physical factors (e.g. force, repetition, vibration or awkward posture) • - CDC/NIOSH What are Sprains & Strains? 3

4. They are caused by excessive • reaching, bending, lifting, • gripping, squatting, or twisting of • hands, shoulders or body • Caused by any work performed • with high force, with many • repetitions, or in an awkward • position Causes of Sprains & Strains? 4

5. A sprain is a stretch or tear of a • ligament (band of fibrous • tissue that connects two or • more bones at a joint); • stretched too far from normal • position • One or more ligaments • may be injured at the same • time • Most common: • - sprained ankle Causes of Sprains & Strains? 5

6. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (thick, • tough fibrous cord of tissue that connects a muscle • to a bone) • Can be as simple as overstretching a muscle or • tendon, or it can be a partial or • complete tear • Most common: strained back What’s the Difference? 6

7. Back injuries, including pulled back muscles and • ruptured discs • Squashed nerves causing severe pain, such as • carpal tunnel in wrist or sciatic leg pain from back • Ligament sprains in the upper body • Shoulder muscle sprains and dislocations • Abdominal hernias • Tendon injuries to the hands, forearms and elbows • (tennis elbow) • Ankle sprains and strains Types of Sprains & Strains 7

8. Carrying, holding, or restraining items, people or • animals • Lifting, pushing, holding or pulling loads • Working in a fixed position with the back bent, • sitting or standing continuously, or driving vehicles • for long periods • Repetitive tasks such as reaching to lift or lower • objects, or to grip tools continuously • Working in awkward positions involving bending or • twisting your body to reach items • Vibrations through the body like driving a truck or • using a powered hand tool How Do They Occur? PPT-053-01 8

9. Construction & Road Work • Agriculture & Grounds Maintenance Where Do They Occur? 9

10. Trucking & Transportation • Office Work & Food services Where Do They Occur? 10

11. Delivery & Moving • Custodial & Maintenance Where Do They Occur? 11

12. For a sprain: Pain, swelling, • bruising, not being able to move • the joint • For a strain: Pain, muscle • spasms, muscle weakness, • swelling, cramping, trouble • moving the muscle What are the Signs & Signals? 12

13. FIRST STAGE – to reduce swelling and pain • RICE therapy (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate) • for the first 24 to 48 hours • Rest the injured area (reduce regular exercise or activities as needed) • Ice the injured area, 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times a day (cold pack, ice bag, or plastic bag filled with crushed ice and wrapped in a towel can be used) Treatments for Sprains & Strains 13

14. Compress the injured area, using bandages, casts, • boots, elastic wraps or splints to help reduce swelling • 4. Elevate the injured area, above the level of the heart, to help decrease swelling while you are lying or sitting down Treatments for Sprains & Strains 14

15. Health care provider may recommend an anti-inflammatory • drug such as aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or • acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help decrease pain and • inflammation • If moderate sprain, may require use of mobility aids, such as • a cane, crutches, a walker or wheelchair • If severe sprain, may need surgery to repair torn ligaments, • muscle or tendon Treatments for Sprains & Strains 15

16. SECOND STAGE – Rehabilitation • Physical therapy/exercise program: designed to help reduce swelling, prevent stiffness and restore normal, pain-free range of motion (during first week after injury) Treatments for Sprains & Strains 16

17. 2. Increase strength and flexibility (about second week after injury); usually more demanding exercises to improve function Treatments for Sprains & Strains 17

18. Advanced stretching? Treatments for Sprains & Strains 18

19. 3. Return to full daily activities, including • sports if appropriate; must work closely • with physical therapist to avoid re-injury Treatments for Sprains & Strains 19

20. Time needed for full recovery: • Mild sprain/strain: three to six weeks • Moderate sprain/strain: two to three months • Severe sprain/strain: eight to 12 months How Much Time to Heal? 20

21. Although we cannot prevent all sprains and • strains from occurring, there are some tips on how • to avoid them: • - Stretch before you workout or • move heavy items • - Wear proper footwear for the activity you are doing How Can We Prevent This? 21

22. Warm up adequately • before activities • Be aware and avoid slippery/ uneven surfaces. If unable to, proceed with CAUTION. How Can We Prevent This? 22

23. Sprains and strains are classified as muscular- • skeletal disorders • Many causes including carrying, pushing, • lifting, pulling, doing repetitive tasks, or • working in awkward positions • Treat by using RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, • Elevation) • Prevent by stretching, wearing proper • footwear, using caution while walking Summary 23

24. Contact Risk Management Risk Manager: Lance C Esswein Emergency & Risk Management Specialist: Martha Sanchez Phone: 361-888-0401 FAX: 361-888-0403Email: lance.esswein@co.nueces.tx.us martha.sanchez@co.nueces.tx.us Questions? 25