Sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility that interfere with work, sports, and everyday activities. At All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries. Serving Houston, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, and Kingwood, we offer personalized care designed to relieve pain, promote healing, restore function, and help you safely return to your active lifestyle.
What are Sprains and Strains?
Sprains and strains are injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. A sprain is an injury or tear of one or more ligaments that commonly occurs at the wrist, knee, ankle or thumb. A strain is an injury or tears to the muscle. Strains occur commonly in the back and legs.
Causes of Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains occur due to overstretching of the joints during sports activities and accidents such as falls or collisions. It may be due to fatigue or not warming up before an activity.
Symptoms of Sprains and Strains
Symptoms of sprains include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Joint stiffness
Symptoms of strains include:
- Muscle spasm and weakness
- Pain in the affected area
- swelling
- Redness
- bruising
Immediate Care for Sprains and Strains
Immediately following an injury and before being evaluated by your doctor, you should initiate the P.R.I.C.E. method of treatment.
Protection: Protect the injured area with the help of support.
Rest: Rest the affected area as more damage could result from putting pressure on the injury.
Ice: Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours during the day. Never place ice directly over the skin.
Compression: Wrapping with an elastic bandage or an elasticated tubular bandage can help to minimize the swelling and provide support to the injured area.
Elevation: Elevating the injured area above heart level will also help with swelling and pain.
Diagnosis of Sprains and Strains
Diagnosis involves a thorough physical examination. Your doctor will inspect the area of injury and see how well you move the muscle or joint. X-rays or other tests may be ordered to rule out fractures or other problems.
Treatment of Sprains and Strains
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the pain and inflammation of a sprain or strain. A period of bracing may be necessary. Physiotherapy may be recommended for moderate to severe injuries. Surgery is rarely needed but may be suggested for torn ligaments and tendons.
Most sprains and strains show significant improvement in about 2 weeks. Severe injuries sometimes take months to heal. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 8 weeks to allow proper healing.
Why Choose All American Orthopedic Surgeons for Sprains and Strains Treatment in Houston, Lake Jackson & Kingwood?
Sprains and strains are among the most common orthopedic injuries, affecting athletes and active individuals as well as people injured during everyday activities. While many soft tissue injuries heal with conservative treatment, some require specialized orthopedic evaluation to prevent chronic pain, instability, or recurring injuries. At All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute, our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons provide comprehensive care for ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries with individualized treatment plans designed to restore strength, mobility, and function.
Patients choose our orthopedic team because we offer:
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons experienced in treating sports and orthopedic injuries
- Comprehensive evaluations with advanced diagnostic imaging when appropriate
- Personalized treatment plans based on the severity and location of your injury
- Conservative treatment options, including bracing, activity modification, medications, and physical therapy
- Advanced surgical treatment for severe ligament, tendon, or muscle injuries when necessary
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs focused on safe recovery and injury prevention
- Convenient office locations in Houston (Clear Lake), Lake Jackson, and Kingwood
Our goal is to reduce pain, promote proper healing, restore strength and mobility, and help you safely return to work, athletics, and everyday activities as quickly as possible.
Sprains and Strains FAQs
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is an injury involving a ligament, the tissue that connects bones together at a joint. A strain is an injury affecting a muscle or tendon, which connects muscle to bone. Both injuries may involve stretching or tearing of the affected tissue.
What causes sprains and strains?
Sprains and strains commonly occur during sports, exercise, falls, lifting injuries, sudden twisting movements, or repetitive overuse. Ankles, knees, wrists, shoulders, hamstrings, calves, and the lower back are among the most frequently affected areas.
What are the symptoms of a sprain or strain?
Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, muscle spasms, weakness, stiffness, limited range of motion, and difficulty using or bearing weight on the affected area. Severe injuries may produce instability or an inability to move the joint or muscle normally.
How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
Your orthopedic surgeon will perform a physical examination and review your symptoms and injury history. X-rays may be used to rule out fractures, while MRI or ultrasound imaging may be recommended to evaluate ligament, tendon, or muscle injuries when necessary.
Can sprains and strains be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most sprains and strains respond well to conservative treatment, including rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and gradual return to activity. Surgery is typically reserved for severe ligament tears or complete tendon or muscle injuries.
How long does it take to recover from a sprain or strain?
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains and strains may improve within a few weeks, while moderate or severe injuries can require several weeks to months of rehabilitation. Following your treatment plan is important for preventing reinjury.
When should I see an orthopedic specialist?
You should seek orthopedic evaluation if you have severe pain, significant swelling, difficulty bearing weight, joint instability, numbness, visible deformity, or symptoms that do not improve with home care after several days. Early treatment can help prevent long-term complications.
Get Expert Care for Sprains and Strains at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute
Whether you've suffered a sports injury, workplace accident, or everyday soft tissue injury, the experienced team at All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute is here to help. We provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for sprains and strains, using advanced diagnostic techniques, conservative therapies, rehabilitation, and surgical care when necessary to restore function and support a full recovery.
With convenient locations in Houston (Clear Lake), Lake Jackson, and Kingwood, expert orthopedic care is always close to home. Contact All American Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your treatment options for sprains and strains.
