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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
Instant cooling and relieves pain associated with contusions, sprains and strains while being ozone-friendly.
$28.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Usl Sport Gel Max Hi Impact Senior
Life Pharmacy Orewa
The gel max mouthguard will reduce the risk of concussion if you or one of your kids or team mates are involved in a collision or heavy contact.
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Life Pharmacy Orewa
Qv Flare Up Bath Oil 500ml Relieve dry, itchy, and irritated skin with Qv Flare Up Bath Oil. This specially formulated bath oil is designed to soothe and calm sensitive skin, providing instant reli...
$33.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Dermasoft Dry Sensitve Lotion 250ml
Life Pharmacy Orewa
This moisturising lotion is effective for the relief and protection of dry, or itchy skin conditions. The mild formula is suitable for the body, face and hands, and the neutral pH (5.5) helps prese...
$14.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Dermasoft Soap Substitute 500ml
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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Life Pharmacy Orewa
For relief of atopic eczema skin flare ups. - Dual action formula reduces the level of bacteria and helps pRevlonent moisture loss. - Calms irritated skin and reduces roughness and scaling. - Lea...
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Futuro Back Stabilizer Xxl/Xxxl
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Experience unparalleled support and comfort with the FUTURO BACK STABILIZER XXL/XXXL. Designed to provide relief and stability, this back stabilizer is perfect for those with larger frames seeking...
$80.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Scholl Ib Ortho Insol Lower Back Med 1Ea
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Scholl Ib Ortho Insol Lower Back Med 1Ea Experience unparalleled comfort and support with the Scholl Ib Ortho Insoles, designed specifically for lower back pain relief. Perfect for everyday use, t...
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