Sprains and strains: Management

Man holding back

Managing muscular sprains and strains

Fortunately, sprains and strains typically respond well to treatment.

Most injuries of this type will feel better after 2 weeks, although severe injuries may take several months to return to normal.1

Here we review the different approaches that could help your patient get back to enjoying their life.

Guideline recommendations for treating sprains and strains

Summary of NICE guidance on treating strains and sprains

Sprains and strains can be managed simply in the first 72 hours following the injury

According to guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, patients with sprains or strains should be advised to follow the PRICE and HARM protocols in the first few days after the injury.2

Read more about these approaches below.

Analgesics can be used to relieve pain from sprains and strains

Analgesics can be used to relieve pain from sprains and strains

Paracetamol or topical medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) gels can be used for sprains and strains.2–4

Codeine can be added on, if prescribed.2

Oral NSAIDs can be considered 48 hours after the injury, if needed.2,4

Utilising physical therapy to improve outcomes

Massage and exercise

Physiotherapeutic interventions can be beneficial for soft-tissue injuries

Treatment and rehabilitation plans must be individually tailored to maintain and improve range of motion, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve functional activities.

For example, massage therapy can reduce stiffness and muscle soreness – although this should not be used in the first few days after the injury.

Appropriate strengthening programmes using tailored exercises are often required in the longer term to maximise recovery, and training regimens may need to be adjusted.5

Using multimodal approaches to relieve pain from sprains and strains

Multimodal therapy

A multimodal strategy is helpful

Pharmacological and physiotherapeutic interventions can be combined into a multimodal approach for managing sprains and strains. Guidelines recommend a range of intervention types.2

How can Bilal be helped?

Bilal

Bilal

Bilal has strained a muscle while running, and is struggling to work and take care of his children.

Bilal wants effective pain relief and fast recovery.

Voltral Triple Effect speeds recovery by relieving and reducing inflammation so Bilal can get back on with his life.

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Understanding sprains and strains

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Causes

Find out about the causes of sprains and strains.

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Signs and symptoms

Explore an overview of how to recognise sprains and strains and know when to refer patients.

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Overview of joint and osteoarthritic pain

Find out about how joint and osteoarthritic pain are, and meet two patients with joint pain.

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Voltral Triple Effect 1.16% Emulgel

Voltral Triple Effect 1.16% Emulgel for strains and sprains

Relieves pain, reduces inflammation and speeds up the natural healing process.6–8

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Voltral 12-hour 2.32% Emulgel

Voltral 12-hour 2.32% Emulgel for joint pain and pain of non-serious arthritis of the knee and fingers

Up to 12 hours of relief from joint pain.24

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Patient care resources icon

Patient care resources

Access a leaflet for your patients which can help them understand the causes of muscle pain and how best to treat it.

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