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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
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 20 points 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 points Living Reward Points
Primatape Rigid Tape 1.25Cmx5M
Life Pharmacy Orewa
PRIMATAPE is a rigid, tan coloured zinc oxide tapeA universal zinc oxide tape, suitable for securing dressings, particularly on joints and contoured parts of the body.
$7.99 Earn 8 points Living Reward Points
Futuro Precision Fit Wrist Support Adj
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Comfortable odour-resistant material wicks away moisture and provides enhanced breathability. Contoured bowling pin design does not cover palm. Thumb loop for easy application.General Soreness; Mil...
$37.99 Earn 38 points Living Reward Points
Futuro Deluxe Thumb Stabiliser S/M
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Designed to stabilise and support sore, weak or injured lower thumb joints. Helps stabilise the lower thumb joints. Allows free movement of the remaining fingers.Sprains; Mild Arthritis; Repetitive...
$49.99 Earn 50 points Living Reward Points
Futuro Neck Cervical Collar Adj
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Adjustable straps for both height and circumference. Chin strap adjusts collar height for comfort and fit. Breathable foam covered with soft, smooth knit material.Whip-lash; Pinched Nerve; Mild Nec...
$39.99 Earn 40 points Living Reward Points
Usl Sport Mouthguard Senior Fluro
Life Pharmacy Orewa
USL Sport Mouthguards provide protection for your teeth and mouth. The mouthguard will reduce the risk of concussion if you or one of your kids or team mates are involved in a collision or heavy co...
$8.99 Earn 9 points Living Reward Points
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Provides targeted pressure for forearm painMild Tendonitis; Mild Tennis Elbow; Mild Golfers Elbow'Always read the instructions and use strictly as directed. If symptoms persist see your Health Care...
$36.99 Earn 37 points Living Reward Points
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