Sprain
A sprain is the term that describes damage to ligaments when they are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. A ligament sprain can range from many microscopic tears in the fibers that comprise the ligament to a complete tear or rupture.
Strain
A strain refers to damage to muscles and tendons as a result of being pulled or stretched too far.
Severity of sprains and strains
A physician categorizes sprains and strains according to severity. A Grade I (mild) sprain or strain involves some stretching or minor tearing of a ligament or muscle. A Grade II (moderate) sprain or strain is a ligament or muscle that is partially torn but still intact. A Grade III (severe) sprain or strain means that the ligament or muscle is completely torn, resulting in joint instability.
Symptoms
Sprains
Pain
Swelling
Bruising
Limited ability to move the affected joint
At the time of injury, you may hear or feel a "pop" in your joint
Strains
Pain
Swelling
Muscle spasms
Limited ability to move the affected muscle
Causes
Sprains
A sprain occurs when you overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint. Sprains often occur in the following circumstances:
Ankle. Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
Knee. Pivoting during an athletic activity
Wrist. Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall
Thumb. Skiing or playing racquet sports, such as tennis
Strains
There are two types of strains: acute and chronic. An acute strain occurs when a muscle becomes strained or pulled — or may even tear — when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. Acute strains often occur in the following ways:
Slipping on ice
Running, jumping or throwing
Lifting a heavy object or lifting in an awkward position
Chronic strain
A chronic strain results from prolonged, repetitive movement of a muscle. This may occur on the job or during sports, such as:
Gymnastics
Tennis
Rowing
Golf
Prevention Tips
No one is immune to sprains and strains, but here are some tips developed by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help reduce your injury risk:
Participate in a conditioning program to build muscle strength
Do stretching exercises daily
Always wear properly fitting shoes
Nourish your muscles by eating a well-balanced diet
Warm up before any sports activity, including practice
Use or wear protective equipment appropriate for that sportTreatments
Grade I injuries usually heal quickly with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Therapeutic exercise can also help restore strength and flexibility.
Grade II injuries are treated similarly but may require immobili-zation of the injured area to permit healing.
Grade III sprains and strains usually require immobilization and possibly surgery to restore function.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies can significantly speed the healing of strains and sprains
Rub Arnica ointment or gel externally in addition to an internal homeopathic remedy.
Rhus Toxicodendron--- is the most frequently used remedy for strains, sprains, torn ligaments, and tendonitis. Use this remedy when the stiffness is worse during initial motion and gets better as the person continues to move. It works especially well after lifting something heavy or overexertion.
Ruta ---is the best remedy for torn or wrenched tendons or ligaments. Use Ruta after the initial swelling and pain has decreased. Ruta can also be used when Rhus Toxicodendron did not bring a desirable relief.
This remedy is helpful for injuries to tendons, joints, and muscles, and has a special affinity to the coverings of the bones (the periosteum). Bone-bruises, barked shins, or any injury that leads to stiffness and aching may respond. Ruta is often useful after Arnica for sprains, pulled muscles, and connective tissue injuries.
Arnica---when you have a considerable swelling, bruising, and inflammation. Switch to Rhus Toxicodendron or another remedy after the swelling and bruising has gone.
This is the major remedy for new traumatic injuries—especially bruises, sprains, and concussions. Symptoms are worse from touch and motion. Arnica can be helpful for painful bruising and tissue-damage caused by surgery and dental work—given preventively before an anticipated injury, and used to treat the soreness afterward. It is also helpful in preventing shock.
Bryonia---f your pain is worsened by the slightest motion and continued motion only makes it worse. There could be swelling of the injured joint, but it is not as prominent as with Arnica.
Ledum---is a great remedy for ankle sprains, especially when the injured part feels cold or numb and is better from cold applications
This remedy is indicated for injuries that lead to puffy swelling, especially when ice-packs or cold applications bring relief.
Sprained ankles or knees, bashed noses, black eyes, or any kind of bruising injury that is painful and very swollen may respond to Ledum.
Aconitum napellus--- This remedy can be helpful when a person feels extremely fearful or agitated after being injured. It may help to soothe anxiety and panic and reduce the chance of shock.Bellis perennis--- This remedy is useful for injuries to the trunk and deeper tissues—as from falls, car accidents, surgery, etc. —especially if a feeling of stiffness or coldness develops in the injured area. If Arnica has been given for an injury—especially a strain or bruise—but has not had much effect, Bellis perennis may be helpful.
Calcarea phosphorica--- This remedy is useful for bone bruises, old or slow-healing fractures, or any injury that leads to soreness in the bones, especially if the area feels cold or numb and improves with warmth. The muscles near the injury may ache or stiffen.
Calendula--- This is a very helpful remedy for cuts and scrapes or other injuries with broken skin. Potentized Calendula can be taken internally, to prevent or combat infection if a cut or scrape becomes inflamed. Herbal calendula can be applied directly to wounds as an ointment, lotion, or diluted tincture.
Hypericum--- This remedy is indicated for injuries to body areas with many nerves, such as fingertips and toes, the genitals, the spine and tailbone, and the eyeballs. Shooting pains, a feeling of “jangled nerves,” and pains mixed with tingling and numbness are strong indications. People with concussions, nerve pain after surgeries and root-canals, or bites and puncture wounds may benefit from Hypericum.
Ipecacuanha---This remedy can be helpful as first aid if heavy bleeding occurs after an injury, with a feeling of nausea and weakness. (Emergency care is crucial when serious bleeding occurs; pressure should be applied to a severely bleeding wound, and medical help should be found immediately.)Millefolium---Contusions or sprains that involve small broken blood-vessels and lead to bruiselike bleeding beneath the skin suggest the use of this remedy. It is often also useful for nosebleeds after injury, and for bleeding in other parts of the body (for instance, after childbirth or surgery).
Phosphorus--- When small wounds bleed easily, or a person has a tendency to bruise from minor injuries, this remedy can be helpful. It is also useful for nosebleeds.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.
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