The Difference Between Sprains, Strains and Breaks

In the workplace accidents can happen at any time. Continuing our recent articles on health and safety this article covers some basic observations to help identify the differences between sprains, strains and breaks.Any injury in the workplace can be costly If you cannot identify the problem, then getting the solution becomes even more daunting and hectic. Sprains, strains and breaks are all related and if you have experienced either of them, then you know what severe pain is. The three conditions are musculoskeletal disorders that normally affect the body’s musculoskeletal system or movement. In most cases, this disorder affects the tendons, nerves, ligaments, muscles, blood vessels among other body organs.Musculoskeletal Injuries: The differences between Sprains, Strains and BreaksSprains• A sprain happens as a tear or a stretch of a ligament which is the tissue connecting 2 bones. They support and stabilize the body’s joints enabling them to be flexible. A good example is the knee ligament connecting the two bones on the upper and lower side.• Sprains happen following a fall, blow or twist on your body. They cause the affected joint to overstretch injuring or even rupturing the supporting ligaments.• A mild sprain takes place when the ligament overstretch, but a severe sprain is where the ligament tears completely separating from the bone.Strain• A strain is a tear, twist or pull of a tendon and/or a muscle in the body. Tendons are defined as the cords of tissues that normally connect bones and muscles.• Strains are caused by prolonged overuse of tendons and muscles without enough rest. Some of the signs of strains include; swelling, pain, inflammation, cramping muscle spasm and muscle weakness.• Mild strains are rarely noticed, but severe ones can result to serious injuries following a complete rapture of the tendon and the muscles. Some of the common strains include back strain and hamstring muscle strainBreaks• Just like the name suggests, a break is a split, fracture or a complete break in the bone. Such injuries are caused by accidents, bone weakness or sports injuries.• Unlike strains and sprains, breaks require immediate attention from a qualified doctor to ensure fast and proper healing.In all cases if these injuries happen in the workplace you need to make sure it is noted in the company accident log and more importantly that the employee or visitor affected is taken to hospital where the injury causes pain.
TutorCare offer a wide range of training course that covers first aid in the workplace.  As well as identifying and offering advice on the above our courses discuss treatment for unconsciousness, shock, bleeding, burns and scalds.The following is a list of currently available courses through TutorCare.

• Emergency First Aid at Work
• Emergency First Aid Awareness
• First Aid Annual Refresher
• Anaphylaxis First Aid -  or read our article on Understanding Anaphylaxis shock can save lives in the work place
• Sports First Aid
• CPR for Electricians