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Unless you know what causes the aches and pain your muscles and joints endure, they can be difficult to prevent. By treating an injury properly, you can relieve pain quickly and speed your recovery.
Sprains: When a joint in your body, such as your ankle, is forced to go beyond its normal range of motion, a sprain will occur. A sprain is when the ligament(s) which surrounds and protects these joints are overstretched and/or torn. As a result, swelling and pain occurs.
Strains: A tendon is what attaches muscle to bone. When a tendon or muscle is overstretched beyond its normal motion, a strain occurs. When the tendon becomes inflamed from continued overuse, misuse, or prolonged tension, tendonitis will develop. As a result, movement and use of that muscle and tendon are painful.
Muscle Spasms: A spasm is a sudden, forceful, and sustained muscle contraction. The usual cause is excessive overuse, direct trauma and/or chronic stress to the muscle. A muscle in spasm is often painful to touch and feels as if it is tied up in a “knot”.
What You Can Do!
Stay flexible and strong! If you should sustain a strain, sprain, or spasm, the best way to relieve your pain and speed recovery is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Should your symptoms persist or you think your injury may be more severe, consult your physician or Moore Physical Therapist to ensure proper treatment.