Muscle strains occur when an injury impacts the muscles or tendons, which are tissues that attach bone to muscle. Conversely, muscle sprains are injuries that affect the joints and ligaments. Joints attach two or more connecting bones and facilitate proper movement, while ligaments attach to bones to keep them connected to the joint.
While muscle strains and sprains differ when it comes to the body parts affected, the treatment of these injuries is often the same. With mild to moderate injuries, doctors typically recommend some type of pain-relieving medication, along with lifestyle modification.
With strains and sprains, pain and inflammation often occur simultaneously. Along with the discomfort these injuries cause, they can also impact mobility due to the swelling that occurs. As a result, most doctors recommend anti-inflammatory medication to simultaneously address both issues.
These medications are typically available over the counter, which means that no prescription is required. While non-prescription medications are generally associated with fewer risks than prescription drugs, it’s important to take all medications according to their instructions.
Rarely will doctors prescribe a more potent painkiller to treat minor injuries, as these drugs carry a risk of addiction and dependence. If pain is so severe that it can’t be managed by non-prescription pain relievers, it’s best to visit a doctor to determine whether a more serious injury has occurred.
Along with pain relievers, minor injuries can also be effectively treated with the RICE method:
In most cases, a healthy individual can recover from a strain or sprain in six weeks or less. If you feel that you’re not making any progress with home remedies, talk with your doctor.