Sprains, Strains & Fractures Treated at Advanced Orthopedics

Injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures are common and can happen to anyone, whether you're an athlete, weekend warrior, or simply going about your daily activities. These injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and immobility, making it important to seek proper medical care for effective treatment and recovery. At Advanced Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating sprains, strains, and fractures to help you heal quickly and safely return to your normal life.

What Are Sprains, Strains & Fractures?

While sprains, strains, and fractures may sound similar, they involve different types of injuries to the body’s musculoskeletal system. Here’s a breakdown of each:

• Sprains involve injuries to ligaments, the tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other. A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn, typically due to twisting or impact.
• Strains refer to injuries to muscles or tendons, the tissue that connects muscles to bones. A strain happens when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, often due to overuse or lifting something too heavy.
• Fractures are breaks or cracks in bones caused by trauma, such as falls, accidents, or high-impact activities. Fractures can range from small, hairline cracks to complete breaks and may require different levels of treatment depending on severity.

Common Sprains, Strains & Fractures

Sprains

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that stabilize your joints. Common sprains include:

• Ankle Sprains – One of the most common sprains, often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle during walking or physical activity.
• Knee Sprains – Common in contact sports or activities that involve sudden changes in direction, such as soccer or basketball.
• Wrist Sprains – Often occur when a person falls and lands on an outstretched hand, causing injury to the wrist ligaments.
• Thumb Sprains – Frequently occur in sports like skiing, football, or basketball when the thumb is forced into an abnormal position.

Strains

Strains occur when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn. Common strains include:

• Hamstring Strain – Common in athletes who perform running or kicking motions. Strains occur when the muscle is overstretched or forcefully contracted.
• Lower Back Strains – Often caused by improper lifting or sudden twisting motions, leading to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
• Quadriceps Strain – Strains in the quadriceps, the large muscles in the front of the thigh, are often caused by sprinting or jumping activities.
• Shoulder Strains – Often caused by lifting, overhead movements, or repetitive use in sports such as swimming, tennis, or baseball.

Fractures

Fractures are breaks in the bone that can occur from trauma, falls, or accidents. Some common fractures include:

• Colles’ Fracture (Wrist) – A break in the distal radius bone, typically caused by falling onto an outstretched hand.
• Fractured Clavicle (Collarbone) – A common fracture from falls, contact sports, or accidents, causing pain and difficulty lifting the arm.
• Fractured Tibia/Fibula (Shin Bone) – Often caused by high-impact injuries, such as car accidents or sports-related falls.
• Femur Fractures – A serious fracture of the thigh bone, usually caused by significant trauma or accidents.
• Stress Fractures – Small, hairline cracks in bones, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress, commonly occurring in runners or athletes.

Symptoms of Sprains, Strains & Fractures

Symptoms of sprains, strains, and fractures can vary based on the injury, but they often include:

✔ Pain – Immediate or gradual pain at the site of injury, ranging from mild to severe.
✔ Swelling – Inflammation around the injury, often accompanied by bruising.
✔ Limited Range of Motion – Difficulty moving the affected joint or muscle due to pain or instability.
✔ Tenderness – Pain when pressure is applied to the injured area.
✔ Deformity – In the case of fractures, you may notice visible deformities or irregularities in the shape of the bone.
✔ Instability – Particularly in ligament injuries, there may be a feeling of the joint “giving way” or instability.

Treatment Options for Sprains, Strains & Fractures

At Advanced Orthopedics, we provide a comprehensive approach to treating sprains, strains, and fractures, whether through conservative treatments or surgical intervention.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For many sprains, strains, and fractures, especially mild to moderate injuries, non-surgical treatments are effective and can include:

🔹 Rest & Ice – The R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often the first step in managing sprains and strains. Ice helps reduce swelling and pain, while rest allows the injury to heal.
🔹 Compression & Elevation – Compression wraps or bandages help control swelling, and elevating the injury helps reduce fluid buildup.
🔹 Physical Therapy – Tailored rehabilitation programs to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion.
🔹 Bracing & Splinting – Using supportive devices like braces, splints, or slings to immobilize the injury and promote healing.
🔹 Pain Management – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription pain medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
🔹 Casts – For fractures, a cast is often used to immobilize the bone and allow it to heal properly.

Surgical Treatments

In cases where the injury is severe or non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options can include:

🔹 Fracture Repair Surgery – For fractures that are severe or misaligned, surgery may involve screws, plates, or rods to stabilize the bone during healing.
🔹 Ligament or Tendon Reconstruction – In cases of severe sprains or strains, surgical repair or reconstruction of torn ligaments or tendons may be needed to restore stability.
🔹 Arthroscopy – Minimally invasive surgery to repair or remove damaged tissues within the joint, commonly used for knee or shoulder injuries.

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Recovery from sprains, strains, and fractures often requires a period of rehabilitation to ensure full healing and a return to normal function. Your rehabilitation plan may include:

🔹 Physical Therapy – Strengthening exercises, mobility training, and functional exercises to help you regain full strength and range of motion.
🔹 Sports-Specific Rehab – Once you’ve healed, specialized training may be provided to help you safely return to sports or other physical activities.
🔹 Ongoing Care – For fractures or severe ligament/tendon injuries, we offer follow-up care and assessments to monitor healing and prevent complications.

Preventing Sprains, Strains & Fractures

While not all injuries can be prevented, the following tips can help reduce the risk of sprains, strains, and fractures:

✔ Warm-up and stretch before physical activities to prepare muscles and joints for exertion.
✔ Use proper techniques in sports and activities to avoid overexertion or injury.
✔ Wear appropriate footwear to provide support and cushioning.
✔ Strengthen muscles around joints to improve stability and prevent sprains.
✔ Avoid overuse of muscles and joints by taking regular breaks and alternating activities.

Get the Care You Need

At Advanced Orthopedics, we understand how sprains, strains, and fractures can affect your daily life. Our team of orthopedic specialists is here to provide you with personalized treatment options, ensuring a smooth recovery and a return to your active lifestyle.

📞 Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery!