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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
Plaster Knuckle Classic Coverplast
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Plaster Knuckle Classic Coverplast is a type of adhesive bandage that is designed to provide protection and support for the knuckle area of the hand. It is made from a flexible, breathable material...
$0.50 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Dermasoft Cream Rinse Conditioner
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Dermasoft Cream Rinse Conditioner has been formulated to moisturise, condition and protect your hair and scalp, using ingredients which provide a low level of irritation to your skin.As well as add...
$16.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Dermasoft Sorbolene Cream 100Gm
Life Pharmacy Orewa
A very effective moisturiser and emollient for dry, cracked or scaly skin, containing 10% Glycerin, which is known for it’s moisture retaining qualities, and is often recommended by specialists for...
$9.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Opsite Flexifix Film Roll 5Cm Per Metre
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Opsite Flexifix Film Roll 5CM Per Metre is a medical dressing and device stabiliser. Transparency, flexibility and superior breathability, enable it to be used on multiple body areas.
$7.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Neat Feat 3B Body Powder 125gm
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Neat Feat 3B Body Powder 125gm Stay fresh and dry all day with Neat Feat 3B Body Powder. This 125gm powder is specially formulated to absorb moisture, reduce friction, and prevent chafing. Its uniq...
$19.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
To help relieve the symptoms of eczema and dermatitis flare ups. - An emollient cream to treat the symptoms of atopic eczema and dermatitis. - Contains glycerol to help improve suppleness, reduce...
$19.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Nature'S Kiss Anti-Flamme Everyday 45G
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Strong support for bumps, bruises and strained muscles. Common Uses - Natural ingredients - Refreshing peppermint scent - Fast acting temporary support - Suitable for daily use Nature's Kiss Ant...
$18.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
Primatape W/Proof Tp 1.25Cmx5M
Life Pharmacy Orewa
PRIMATAPE WATERPROOF is a waterproof, rigid, white, zinc oxide tapeA waterproof zinc oxide tape, suitable for securing dressings which may be exposed to wet and/or dirty environments.
$7.99 Earn 8 Living Reward Points
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