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Sprains and strains

Overview

Open all pages about Sprains and strains

Symptoms of a sprain and a strain include pain and swelling around a joint, such as the ankle, wrist or thumb.

You can treat most sprains and strains with things like rest, ice and compression. Physiotherapy may help if it does not get better in a few weeks.

You can help reduce your risk of sprains and strains by warming up before exercising and not exercising too hard.

Sprains and strains are sometimes treated with prescription painkillers. Physiotherapy may help if it's taking longer than usual to get better.

Sprains and strains are injuries to muscles or ligaments, the tissue connecting bones to other bones.

Page last reviewed: 10/02/2021
Next review due: 10/02/2024