subject: Let The Professionals At Asheboro, Nc Expertly Diagnose Ligament Sprains And Strains [print this page] How many times while growing up did you come limping home from a neighborhood baseball game and hear your mother say, "It's only a sprained ankle." If she was an orthopedic surgeon, then maybe she was right, but chances are she was using the wrong terminology for your sandlot injury.
The difference between ligament sprains and strains is in where it occurs in the body. A ligament sprain is a tear or stretching of the fibrous, rubber band-like material that connects one end of a bone to another end of a bone. A strain involves the stretching of a muscle or tendon, another rubber band-like material, that connects muscles to bone.
Once correctly diagnosed by your Asheboro, NC sports medicine doctors or orthopedic surgeons, ligament sprains and strains follow a similar course of treatment.
Risk factors increase likelihood of ligament sprains and strains
Anyone can fall victim to ligament strains and sprains, but certain risk factors can make a person more vulnerable to this type of injury. Ligament sprains and strains tend to occur by direct or indirect trauma to the body. Some examples include sliding into base, changing directions suddenly when running, or sudden stopping.
There are two types of strains, chronic and acute. Chronic strains occur from overuse of muscles and tendons; acute strains occur when the body receives a direct blow, the muscles and tendons are overstretched, or from when the muscle contracts too much.
Though athletes and non-athletes are vulnerable to ligament sprains and strains, risk factors such as being overweight, a history of sprains and strains, as well as poor physical condition, increase the likelihood of a ligament sprains and strains diagnosis.
Sports medicine doctors experts at diagnosing ligament sprains and strains
Because ligament sprains and strains tend to occur in athletes, sports medicine doctors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to diagnosing and treating these injuries in non-athletes. Whether raking leaves, washing the car or mowing the lawn, sports injuries can happen to non-athletes as easily as they happen with athletes.
The orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro NC have honed their skills with athletes to treat ligament sprains and strains in non-athletes with the same precision and high quality care.
Orthopedic surgery may not be needed for all cases of ligament sprains and strains
Treatment of ligament sprains and strains depends on the type of sprain and strain, as well as the severity. When an injury occurs, sports medicine doctors and orthopedic surgeons agree that RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is the best course of action while waiting to see a doctor.
Though severe ligament sprains and strains may require orthopedic surgery, mild cases may respond well to a simple course of rehabilitation exercises and physical therapy, along with a reduction in physical activity.
Ligament sprains and strains can occur in any segment of the population, be it athlete or non-athlete. Prevention of these injuries is as simple as warming up before physical exercise, watching your weight, a conditioning program for muscles, eating a healthy diet, and wearing protective gear and properly fitting shoes.
If you suspect a ligament sprain or strain has occurred the first course of action should be RICE, and then making an appointment with orthopedic surgeons in Asheboro, NC.
