Ligament Sprain
Introduction
A ligament sprain occurs when its inelastic fibres are stretched through too great a range and tearing of the ligament takes place. It can range from mild (tearing of just a few fibres) to severe (complete rupture of the ligament, leading to joint instability). Mild to moderate sprains are treated conservatively and normally heal after 6 weeks.
Management of ligament sprains includes first aid immediately post-injury (RICE), tissue healing modalities, joint movement to prevent stiffness, massage and muscle strengthening. Complete (severe) ruptures of ligaments may include surgery to repair or reconstruct the ligament.
Muscle Strain
Introduction
A strain to the muscle or muscle tendon is the equivalent of a sprain to ligaments. A muscle strain occurs when muscle fibres cannot cope with the demands placed on them by exercise overload and leads to tearing of the fibres. It is a contraction-induced injury in which muscle fibers tear due to extensive mechanical stress. This mostly occurs as result of a powerful
eccentric contraction or overstretching of the muscle. Therefore, it is typical for non contact sports with dynamic character such as sprinting, jumping.
Categorisation
Strains are categorized into 3 grades of severity.:
Grade I (mild) strains affect only a limited number of fibers in the muscle. There is no decrease in strength and there is full active and passive range of motion. Pain and tenderness are often delayed to the next day.
Grade II (moderate) strains have nearly half of muscle fibers torn. Acute and significant pain is accompanied by swelling and a minor decrease in muscle strength.
Grade III (severe) strains represent complete rupture of the muscle. This means either the tendon is separated from the muscle belly or the muscle belly is actually torn in 2 parts. Severe swelling and pain and a complete loss of function are characteristic for this type of strain.
Management
Management includes first aid to minimise bleeding and swelling (RICE), electrotherapy modalities (e.g. Ultrasound) to promote efficient scar formation, Massage, stretching and strengthening (in the end stages of healing).
Predisposing factors of muscle strains include; ineffective warm-up, poor flexibility (tight muscles), fatigue, overuse and muscle imbalance (when muscle groups are excessively stronger or weaker in relation to each other).