Strains and Sprains

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 Facts
(USA based)

• Account for 43% of lost-time injuries

• Most are back related
• Main cause of injury in every major industry
 Most Common
• Most sprains are to:
– Ankles
– Knees
– Wrists
– Thumbs

• Most back injuries are strains

 Signs & Symptoms

• Strain:
– Stiffness, tenderness and swelling
– Limited motion

• Sprain:
– Not being able to move or use the joint
– Rapid swelling
 Let Someone Know
• If at work, file a report
• If at home, let your supervisor know
• Either way, get medical attention

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 Medical Attention

• Signs a sprain might need medical attention:

– Severe pain
– Injured area is crooked or bumpy

• Signs a strain might need medical attention:

– Numbness
– Swelling or stiffness that doesn’t improve in
2-3 days

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 Causes

• Falls
• Overexertion
• Overweight
• Poor physical condition
• Not warming up

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 How They Develop
• One time or repetitive motion
• Lifting objects of any weight
• Falls or sudden impacts

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 Common Causes
• Awkward position
• Incorrect lifting posture
• Not getting help lifting a heavy load
• Failing to take breaks or shift positions

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 Treatment

• Most heal in 2-3 weeks

• RICE treatment:
– Rest
– Ice
– Compression
– Elevation
• After 48 hours, use heat

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 Back Strain
• One of the most common areas for strain
• Damage could be muscles or ligaments
• No sure-fire cure for back strains
• Medication, rest and easing back into work is the
most common treatment

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 Reducing Risk

• Follow proper lifting rules

• Don’t lift quickly
• Don’t lift if your back already hurts
• Be sure to use handrails
• Keep high-traffic areas clear of clutter

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 In the Office

• Working on computers can lead to Repetitive

Strain Injury (RSI)

• RSI causes pain, numbness and fatigue

• To avoid RSIs:
– Use an ergo-friendly keyboard
– Vary the pace of your work

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 Avoidance
• Warm up and stretch prior
• Practice good posture
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Wear shoes that fit well

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 Points to Remember
• Strains and sprains are very common
• Recognize the symptoms
• Lifting, pushing and over-reaching are common
causes
• Remember the RICE formula for treatment

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