What Causes Strains and Sprains?
Strains and sprains can result from many kinds of accidents, but often they are the price paid by “weekend (weakened) athletes” who are overzealous and poorly conditioned. Strains occur when a muscle is overstretched or overextended. This can be triggered by any of a number of movements or activities–lifting a heavy object improperly, overswinging a golf club, sprinting to catch a bus, overstretching before a workout. The likelihood of a strain increases with obesity, poor muscle tone, or reduced blood flow to the muscles, which can result from cold, fatigue, or immobilization in a cast. Sprains occur when a muscle, tendon, or ligament is subjected to sudden force. This can happen as a result of any unexpected movement, such a fall or twist. Once injured, a ligament is vulnerable to future sprains. Treatment and Prevention Most mild to moderate strains and minor sprains can be handled at home. In severe cases, however, the ligament may not heal completely. Not only does this bring cons
