By Richard Froeb, M.D. [August 19 2010] It can happen to anyone.
You stumble off the curb and end up with an ankle that's swollen
and bruised. Or, you spend a day cleaning out the garage and end
up with a sore back. Unlike fractures, when bone is injured,
sprains and strains are injuries to the soft tissues. A sprain
occurs when a ligament (the tissue that connects bones at the
joint) is stretched or torn. A strain occurs when a muscle is
stretched or pulled or a tendon (the tissue that connects muscle
to bone) is stretched or torn. Although painful, sprains and
strains are usually minor injuries, provided you treat them
properly. To remember the first aid for sprains and strains,
learn the acronym RICE: - Rest. Give the injured area a rest.
You may continue some physical activity, but avoid activities
that cause pain or swelling. - Ice. Apply ice as soon as
possible after the injury occurs to help limit inflammation,
bruising and pain. Use a cold pack (a bag of frozen peas will
work in a pinch) or place the