Sprain Treatment in Kansas City

Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and tears fall into two major categories: acute injuries and overuse injuries. In some cases, the injury’s onset is sudden (acute); in other cases, the injury could arise over time.

A sprain happens when ligaments—bands of connective tissue that stabilize joints—stretch and/or tear. Strains, on the other hand, occur from a tendon or muscle injury. Both issues could lead to pain and limited range of motion. A strain or sprain treatment aims to heal the muscle, tendon, or ligament to optimize mobility and ease pain.

While the onset of sprains, strains, and tears may come from different factors and activities, various symptoms point to the conditions.

If you suspect you have a sprain, strain, or tear, it is important you schedule an appointment as soon as possible. That way, we can assess the issue and determine the best course of action moving forward.

Assessment for sprains and strains begins with a thorough interview so we can understand your perspective on the mechanism of injury. From there, we move to a comprehensive physical examination. During this exam, we evaluate the injury by checking for swelling and pain points. By determining the location and severity of your pain, we gain insight into the extent of soft tissue damage.

Diagnostic testing, including X-ray and ultrasound may be effective at helping our specialists determine the extent of a strain or sprain injury. We want to ensure that we rule out things like fractures or tendon tears that could contribute to a patient’s pain complaints.

While sprains, strains, and tears could develop suddenly, they are often the result of damage over time. The moment you notice discomfort during regular activities, take a break, change positions, or attempt to gently stretch the affected area. That will give your ligaments, muscles, and tendons a chance to rest, especially if they have experienced constant strain.

For athletes, cross-training can help ease stress by alternating different activities. For example, instead of running every day, you could alternate days between running and lower impact exercise. Even while performing your regular sport, be sure to focus on your form and technique. In doing so, you can optimize your movement patterns.

If you work a physically repetitive job, practice ergonomics in the workplace. Assess where you work and determine how you can adjust your space to decrease mechanical stress. This may include switching chairs, getting an ergonomic keyboard, alternating between sitting and standing, or adjusting your body position while performing your work tasks.

Regardless of who you are, stretching and strengthening your muscles can help prevent tendonitis. Tight tendons and muscles may be more likely to become damaged. In addition, failure to strengthen your muscles may reduce their ability to withstand stress.