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. This often happens during sudden unexpected twisting movements that are common with improper lifting and sports activities. The joints in our lower back can undergo such problems and can be accompanied by strains and spasms of the surrounding tissue and muscles as well.

 

  

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. There are varying degrees of strains and sprains, depending on the amount of damage done.

 

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

First and foremost, treat your body with the care and respect it deserves. The best way to treat injuries is to prevent them before they happen. You can achieve this by keeping yourself flexible and strong with daily exercise. Proper stretching before exertion is also an important component which can prevent undo stress on your muscles and joints.

 

 

If you should sustain a strain, sprain, or spasm, the best way to relieve your pain and speed recovery in the acute phase of injury, is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Should your symptoms persist or you think your injury may be more severe, consult your physician to ensure proper treatment.