Sprains and Strains

Strains and sprains are some of the most common sports injuries that affect novices and trained athletes alike. At Coast Spine and Sports Medicine, we offer tailored treatment options to help you recover your strength and range of motion as quickly as possible. We welcome patients in Orange County, Los Angeles County and Inland Empire.

What Are Sprains and Strains?

Sprains and StrainsWhile sometimes used interchangeably, sprains refer to overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that attach bones to each other. Strains refer to injuries to muscles or tendons that attach muscle to bone. Both types of soft tissue injuries can cause joint or muscle pain, limited range of motion, swelling, bruising, or muscle spasms.

Strains and sprains can be categorized as mild (first degree), moderate (second degree), or severe (third degree). In the case of a severe strain or sprain, there will be almost complete loss of strength and range of motion.

How Much Does Treatment for a Sprain or Strain Cost in Orange County, CA?

The cost of treating a strain or sprain in Los Angeles depends on many factors, including the location and severity of the injury. During your first appointment at Coast Spine and Sports Medicine, we will create a custom treatment plan and review the cost of your care. We accept many forms of insurance as well as CareCredit® financing.

What Are Common Types of Sprains and Strains in Sports?

Sprains and strains that occur in sports can happen almost anywhere, but the most common locations include:

  • Wrist and Thumb Sprains
    • Sprains of the thumb and wrist usually happen when a finger or the hand is forced backward. These sprains are most common among athletes who play baseball, football, and basketball.
  • Ankle Sprains
    • An ankle sprain happens when the ankle rolls or twists awkwardly, overstretching or even tearing the ligaments of the ankle. Ankle sprains are common in sports that involve twisting or rolling of the ankle or cutting motions like running, tennis, football, soccer, and basketball. Prompt sprained ankle treatment is important to reduce the risk of another sprain and complications like arthritis, instability, and chronic pain.
  • Knee Sprains
    • Knee injuries become more common with age but they are frequently associated with sports. Knee sprains happen when a ligament in the knee is stretched or torn. One of the most common injuries of the knee is an ACL sprain, an injury common in sports involving rapid changes in direction or stops like soccer, basketball, football, and skiing.
  • Sprained Elbow
    • Elbow sprains happen when the arm is twisted or bent in an unnatural position or overloaded during sports or repetitive activities. Elbow sprains are especially common among baseball, golf, and tennis players who may develop an injury called tennis elbow.
  • Cervical Sprain
    • A cervical or neck sprain is one of the most common neck injuries and it’s often the result of whiplash, falling, or contact sports.
  • Sprained Shoulder
    • An acromioclavicular joint sprain or shoulder sprain affects the AC joint at the junction of the clavicle and the acromion at the top of the shoulder blade. When the ligaments supporting the shoulder are torn or overstretched, the bones of the AC joint can dislocate. These sprains are common among athletes in contact or high-velocity sports like skiing, football, wrestling, and jet skiing.
  • Back Sprain
    • Back strains and sprains are commonly associated with sudden twisting or repetitive movement of the tendons, muscles, and ligaments. Athletes are at an increased risk of lower back sprains, especially in sports that involve pulling or pushing like football and weightlifting.

How Are Sprains and Strains Treated in Orange County?

Coast Spine and Sports Medicine develops tailored treatment plans depending on the severity and location of your injury. Treatment will begin with conservative and effective options and reserve surgery for cases that don’t respond to conservative care or cause chronic pain and weakness.

Along with elevation, ice, rest, and compression, physical therapy and steroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and help restore normal strength and range of motion.

Surgical treatment may be necessary for chronic sprains or torn ligaments, tendons, and muscle. The surgical technique will depend on the location and type of tissue damage. For example, how to treat a sprained ankle will differ from how an elbow sprain is treated.

If you are dealing with the weakness, pain, and reduced range of motion that can come from a strain or sprain, call us today to schedule an appointment. Coast Spine and Sports Medicine serves men and women in Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, with a range of effective treatment solutions.