Adolescent Health

Sprains and strains are amongst the majority of the injuries caused even though playing sports. Sports injuries can be caused by little trauma which entails ligaments, muscles and tendons such as bruises, sprains and strains. The body component which is most commonly involved in spraining or straining is the ankle. The three ligaments that are involved throughout ankle sprain or strain include anterior talofubular ligament, posterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament.

An injury caused to the soft tissue as a result of a direct force like fall, kick and blow is known as a contusion or a bruise. A sprain is nothing but a ligament injury which is wrenched or twisted. Sprains usually impact knees, wrists and ankles. On the other hand a strain is an injury caused to a tendon or muscle which generally outcomes from force, stretching and overuse.

Sprains/Strains are typically diagnosed by a physician soon after a physical examination. The physician asks for thorough medical history of the adolescent and asks different questions that lead to the cause of the injury. Different diagnostic procedures are also offered which also assists in evaluating the problem. X-ray is one of the oldest and frequent diagnostic tests accomplished to know the extent and exact location of the injury. An x-ray uses electromagnetic waves to get photos of internal tissues, organs and bones onto a film. MRI scan is 1 of the recently evolved diagnostic procedures which also aid in evaluating a physical injury. This process truly known as Magnetic Resonance Imaging makes use of bug magnets, personal computer and radio frequencies to get detailed photos of structures and organs inside the body. Another diagnostic process referred to as Computed Tomography Scan or CT scan is also utilized to evaluate the extent and location of injury. This procedure uses a blend of computers and x-rays to get cross sectional pictures in horizontal and vertical alignment. It shows thorough pictures of any component of the body like muscles, bones, fat and organs. They supply far more details than conventional x-rays.

There are several symptoms of strain and sprain depending on each teen’s physical condition and they may possibly vary accordingly. One of the symptoms includes pain in and about the region injury. There could also be a swelling around the injured region. Some teens also encounter difficulty when they use or move the region of the body that is injured. Some teenagers also undergo bruises or redness in the location that is injured. Many times the symptoms of sprains and strains might look similar to other medical conditions and a doctor’s assistance is the finest alternative in this scenario.

Depending on numerous factors the treatment of sprains and strains will be prescribed by the teenager’s physician that include teenager’s age, overall well being of the teenager, and medical history of the adolescent. To what extent the teen is injured is also a factor in determining the nature of treatment. A teenager’s level of tolerance to specific medications, therapies and procedures is also taken into consideration prior to opting for a specific approach of treatment. The treatment also depends of what expectations one has and also preference and opinion.

Different alternatives accessible for treatment consist of items like restriction of the activity right after the injury, application of cast/splint on the injured spot, crutches or wheelchair, physical therapy which entails stretching exercises to give strength to the muscles, tendons and ligaments that are injured and last but not the least is the surgery which is opted for in worst case scenario.

In the lengthy-term scenario bruises, sprains and strains heal pretty swiftly in children and teenagers but it is crucial that the adolescent sticks to the restrictions imposed in the course of the treatment and healing method like restriction of activity and often attending physical therapy sessions if any. It is noted that majority of the sports related injuries results either due to traumatic injury or excessive use of muscles and joints. But, they can be avoided and prevented with proper training, by wearing correct protective gears and by employing appropriate equipment for training.