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Ouch, it's a sprain!
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Live it up with sports, but take care not to cause undue strain of muscle tissues
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STRETCHED? Success in sport can be hit by sprains
Sports is an inevitable aspect of life. Sports probably finds place for every human emotion - pain, sorrow, elation or pleasure. Playing a sport stretches an individual to give his best. It can also put a stress on the fluid mechanism of the locomotor system of the body. Muscles, ligaments and bones that work in tandem can be disturbed at times causing sprains or strains.
What causes strain?
Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue connecting one bone to another. They help in stabilising the joints and preventing excessive movements. Sprain can occur if one falls, twists or gets hit on a joint disturbing the alignment of the bones and thereby forcing the joint out of its normal position. Ankles, knees and wrists are the most affected.
The bones are also attached to the ends of the muscles and tendons. If there is a stretch, injury or tear of the ends of the muscles or tendons, which amalgamate into the bones, it is called a strain. If there has been a recent injury, overstressing of the muscles, continuing to play even when the muscles are tired or lifting heavy weights can lead to strain. Hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh or muscles of the lower back are the common sites of strain. Soccer, football, hockey and wrestling put people at risk of muscle strain in the lower limb while gymnastics and rowing can put strain on the muscles of the hand or arm.
If the sprain is mild, you experience pain on movement. Despite this, youcan walk when the swelling is not much. If the sprain is moderate and ligament is slightly torn, there would be swelling of the joint and difficulty in walking. If the strain is severe, the patient is compelled to be at rest.
During a sprain spasm, weakness, cramping of the affected muscle with pain and bruising of the area is seen. There would also be difficulty in movement of the affected area.
Prevention and treatment
Proper stretching and warm-up before playing will make the muscles less tight and less prone to tears and trauma. Ideally, when tiredness sets in, one has to cease activity. Tendency for over exertion will affect the muscles. Wear well-fitting shoes and discard a pair of shoes if the heel on one side is worn out. Else, landing on the worn out heel while playing can twist the ankle or knees.
Rest the affected area till you reach your physician. Application of ice to the affected area for about 15 minutes every one or two hours would help reduce pain, swelling, inflammation of the injured muscles, tissues and connective tissues. Compression of the area with a tight bandage is necessary. Elevating the affected part while lying down helps reduce the swelling by drainage of the injured part.
Arnica is a prime remedy for injury when the pain gets worse by the slightest pressure; Bryonia helps in a ligament injury when the patient is unable to move. The spasm of the muscles, tightness of ligaments and tendons in a strain is relieved by Rhus tox. Mag phos helps the spasm and cramping of the muscles. Ruta is known to cure long-standing ligament injuries. Mercurius can cure bruises on soft tissues while Hypericum helps sentient nerves to heal. All in all, homoeopathy has a perfect remedy for every sprain and strain.
DR. VENUGOPAL GOURI
drvenugopal@gmail.com
92463 72625 (mobile)
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