Sprains & Strains

Whether you twisted too far, played too hard, or experienced an accident, sprains and strains can bring your mobility to a standstill. At his offices in Beverly Hills and the Brenwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, orthopedic surgeon Robert H. Cho, MD, can evaluate your symptoms and return you to moving with confidence. Get personalized care for sprains and strains by calling the nearest office or booking your consultation online today.

What causes sprains and strains? 

Although you might hear the words used interchangeably, sprains and strains affect different types of tissue.

Sprains

A sprain occurs when a ligament (the tough bands of tissue connecting bones) stretches or tears. They usually affect the ankle, wrist, and knee, and often occur if you twist a joint too far.

Strains

A strain involves a muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone) and often impacts the lower back, hamstrings, shoulders, and calves. Some of the most common causes of sprains and strains include:

• Sports and recreational activities
• Falls and accidents
• Sudden twisting movements
• Overuse or repetitive motions
• Improper lifting techniques
• Inadequate warm-up before exercise
• Muscle fatigue or poor conditioning

While many sprains and strains are mild, some cause more tissue damage. Dr. Cho can ease pain and speed your recovery.

How do I know if I have a sprain or strain? 

The symptoms are similar, but common symptoms of a sprain include:

• Pain around a joint
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Joint instability
• Difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected area

Common symptoms of a strain include:

• Muscle pain or tenderness
• Swelling
• Muscle weakness
• Limited range of motion
• Muscle spasms or cramping

In both cases, your symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and loss of function. If symptoms persist or significantly limit your mobility, an orthopedic evaluation with Dr. Cho may be necessary.

When should I seek help for sprains and strains? 

Call Dr. Cho if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling
• Inability to bear weight
• Significant bruising
• Joint instability
• Loss of strength or function
• Symptoms that don’t improve within several days
• A popping sensation when you were injured

Prompt evaluation can help rule out fractures, complete ligament tears, tendon injuries, and other conditions that may require specialized treatment.

How are sprains and strains treated? 

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Mild cases are often managed with:

• Rest
• Cold treatments
• Compression
• Elevation (RICE)
• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications

For moderate injuries, Dr. Cho may recommend physical therapy, bracing, or immobilization. More severe sprains and strains involving significant ligament, tendon, or muscle damage may require advanced treatments or surgical intervention.

Call the nearest office of Robert H. Cho or request an appointment online today to learn more about sprains and strains.