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What is strain?
A strain is caused by an injury to a muscle or tendon from overuse, causing chronic strains, or from a twist to that area causing an acute strain. Common chronic strains are back injuries and tennis elbow. An acute strain is often caused by twisting or a blow to that area, such as a hamstring strain. Most minor strains heal within two weeks, but moderate to severe strains may take some months to heal the damage to ruptured muscle fibres.
What is sprain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, commonly from overstretching the ankles or wrists after a fall. Sprains may be mild with a little pain on movement of the area and no long term effects. Moderate to severe sprains result in tears to the ligament with bruising, swelling and difficulty putting weight or pressure on that area because of the pain. The pain from a severe sprain may be similar to that of broken bones, so for these injuries an X-ray should always be taken to prevent untreated fractures.
RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
- Rest – try to reduce any weight or exercise to that area, especially for the first 48 hours.
- Ice – use an icepack, or unopened packed of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a dry cloth, for up to 20 minutes every two or three hours while pain and swelling is present.
- Compression – use elastic bandages or joint supports to support the injured area and wear them whenever the area is painful.
- Elevation – raising the injured area above the level of the heart for the first 24 to 48 hours will help to decrease swelling to the area.
All moderate to severe injuries should be checked by a doctor, physiotherapist or emergency clinic. If it is too painful to put any weight or pressure on an injured area, or there is pronounced swelling, bleeding or bruising, then prompt medical treatment is a priority.
We are available for support
Your community pharmacy has many different types of supports and elastic wraps to support injuries to different areas. If you are using a supporting wrap it is important to get advice regarding the correct size for your body and injury.
Pharmacists can help you treat and prevent sprains and strains. They can provide good advice about the best compression product to ease injuries, as well as the right pain relieving treatments to ensure that you can recover from your injury and rehabilitate the injured area to prevent further sprains and strains in the future.
If you have an injury, such as a sprain or strain, consult your community pharmacist as they will refer you for further medical help if needed, or provide you with what you need to help you recover.
Contact our pharmacyFIRST AID PRODUCTS
Life Pharmacy Orewa
This rich, highly concentrated moisturising cream helps repair and protect dry areas such as elbows, knees and hands. Suitable for sensitive skin. - Recommended for moisturising dry skin. - Helps...
$12.99 Earn 13 points Living Reward Points
Nexcare All In One Adhes Pad 5
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Nexcare™ All-In-One Adhesive Pads provide protection for your loved one's injury with a soft, non stick pad and strong holding dressing. Ideal for injuries like scrapes, minor burns and cuts, this ...
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Nexcare Micropore Tape Tan 25Mmx9.1M
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Nexcare Gentle Paper Tape - Tan - Treats skin kindly, making it ideal for people with fragile or sensitive skin. Its non-irritating adhesive allows for easy removal. Hypoallergenic. 25.4mm x 9.14m....
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Life Pharmacy Orewa
Dual side stabilisers provide extra stability to the knee without limiting movement. Open patella for knee cap support. Dual stretch material for optimal fit. Sprains; Swelling; Mild Arthritis ...
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Futuro Active Knit Knee Stabilizer Xl
Life Pharmacy Orewa
High-performance knee stabiliser with breathable, 4-way stretch knit creates comfortable, custom fit that will not slip, even during athletic activity. Provides all-day support for sprains, strains...
$85.99 Earn 86 points Living Reward Points
Usl First Aid Kit Everyday Starter Bag First Aid Kit
Life Pharmacy Orewa
USL First Aid Kit Soft Bag Everyday Starter Kits is designed as a multi-purpose first aid kit for the car and travel. The first kits components are supplied from USL Medical extensive range of qua...
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Life Pharmacy Orewa
SPLINTEX Splinter Removal Gel can be used as an everyday drawing agent and is available in a convenient take anywhere pack. It is used to help draw out splinters, thorns & exudates (ooze & ...
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Dermasoft Soap Substitute 250ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Those who suffer from dry skin, may aggravate their skin condition by using normal soap based products. Therefore the use of a quality Soap Substitute is recommended. Dermasoft Liquid Soap Substi...
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