Unable to move muscle after injury or sudden forceful movements? Whether you are an athlete pushing your limits or just dealing with everyday aches and pains, it’s important to understand what you are dealing with. In this blog, we will discuss the difference between sprain, strain and tendonitis, their symptoms, causes and treatment approach, and how Chiropractic care in Singapore can make a difference. So let’s begin, shall we?
What is the Difference between Sprain, Strain and Tendonitis?
Sprain, strain and tendonitis refers to the damage/injury to the soft tissue of your body, including tendons, ligaments, and muscle fibers. These conditions share some common symptoms but affect different parts of your body.
Sprain is the overstretching or tearing of the ligaments, which are tough fibrous connective tissue that connects one bone to another at the joint. Their role is to provide stability to your musculoskeletal system by limiting the range of motion between joints. Commonly, sprain occurs in areas like the knee, ankle, and wrist that result from sudden impact or twists.
Strain refers to the overstretching or tearing of muscles and tendons. Tendons are tough fibrous cords that connect muscles to joints. Strain typically affects areas that are overexerted and improperly used, such as lower back and hamstring.
Tendonitis is another condition that affects tendons. It is characterized by the inflammation of the tendons due to injury or repeated motions. Usually, tendons are tough but elastic and can withstand tension. However if stretched too much, they can become inflamed. Unlike sprain and strain, it is a chronic condition that develops over time. It usually affects areas like the arm, elbow, knee, and shoulder which are often subjected to stress.
Sprain vs Strain vs Tendonitis Symptoms
All of these conditions share some common symptoms. Sprain usually occurs suddenly around a joint, and its symptoms vary based on the number of muscle fibers affected. Sprain symptoms include:
- Pain around the affected joint
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion of the affected joint
- Tenderness
- Swelling around the affected area joint.
- A feeling of looseness or instability in the joint
- Popping sounds at the time of injury
- Affected joints may not be able to bear weight.
The symptoms of strain include:
- Muscle spasm
- Tightening sensation
- Muscle weakness in the affected area
- Reduced mobility of the affected joint
- Swelling in the area of strained joint
- Pain in the strained muscle or joint
Symptoms of tendonitis vary, but usually include:
- Pain in the affected tendon which gets worse with the movement
- Swelling
- Tenderness in the affected area
- Warmth in the affected area
- Grating sensation when the tendon moves
- Pain relieved by rest
Causes of Sprain
Common causes of sprain include:
- Sudden movements like twisting and bending can force a joint out of its position and stretch the tendon.
- Engaging in sports that involve jumping, running and quick changes of position can cause sprain.
- Slippery or uneven surfaces can make you slip and fall easily, thus leading to subsequent sprain.
- Falling and landing on the hand or wrist
Causes of Strain
Strain may develop suddenly or over time. The possible causes of strain include:
- Lifting heavy objects can overstretch your muscles or tendons, resulting in strain.
- Activities that require repetitive moments like throwing and running can lead to chronic strain over time.
- Sitting and standing in awkward positions for prolonged periods can lead to strain.
- Slipping or falling can result in strained muscles.
Causes of tendonitis
Tendonitis results from repeated actions and movements. When you make a certain movement over and over while playing sports or working, it can result in tendonitis. The risk increases when you perform the movement incorrectly. The other causes of tendonitis include:
- Accidents
- Aging
- Certain antibiotics like quinolones and statins
- Medical conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
Click For More Info. T&C Apply.
Risk Factors
Anyone can get soft tissue injury but here are the following factors that increase the risk:
- Not warming up and cooling down after exercise or athletic activity
- Fatigue or tiredness, as your body’s not able to fully support joints, thus increasing the risk of injury.
- Improper posture during sports can overload your tendons and ligaments.
- Improper protective gear or ill-fitting shoes can’t provide adequate support and might lead to strain or sprain.
- Aging can cause your tendon to become less flexible and more prone to injury.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will take your detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination. He may inquire about any recent injuries, previously diagnosed diseases, and the medications you are currently taking. He might perform a physical examination by assessing the range of motion, swelling and tenderness in the affected area.
Your doctor might also order some tests that include:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- MRI scans
Treatment
The treatment for soft tissue injuries usually includes a combination of RICE protocol, pain management and rehabilitation exercises.
1. RICE
RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. It involves:
- Stop any physical activity that involves moving your affected joint and allow it to heal.
- Apply ice: Apply ice on the affected area, as it helps reduce swelling. Don’t apply it directly over the skin. First, wrap it in a cloth and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Repeat it several times in the first 24-48 hours.
- Compression: Compress the affected area using a bandage to provide support. This also helps reduce inflammation.
- Elevation: Lift your affected joint above your heart level to reduce swelling.
2. Over the Counter Medications:
You can take over the counter NSAIDs like tylenol, ibuprofen and naproxen for pain management.
3. Corticosteroid Injections:
Your doctor might prescribe corticosteroid injections to provide relief for tendonitis. However, their use is limited due to the weakening of tendons.
4. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy involves exercises that strengthen your muscles and improve your range of motion. It focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring mobility and strength over time.
Outlook
People with mild sprain and strain usually recover within a few days. Moderate cases may require 1-2 weeks to recover. When returning to normal activities, take extra precautions to protect your joints.
Severe and chronic cases of tendonitis may take months to heal. You might need physical therapy or Chiropractic care to regain your strength and mobility. If the pain and swelling persist two weeks after injury, it’s time to see your healthcare provider.
Prevention
There is no way to entirely prevent injuries. But here are some preventive tips that help reduce the chances of hurting your tendon or ligament.
- Always warm up before engaging in intense physical exercises.
- Cooling down after intense activity is equally important, as it helps muscles to recover.
- Wear proper shoes that provide adequate support.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles and joints.
- Improve your posture and try to avoid the same position for prolonged periods. Take breaks.
- Make sure that your room and living space are free of clutter to avoid falls.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects with one hand.
How Does Chiropractic Care in Singapore Help with Sprain, Strain and Tendonitis?
Chiropractic care can help with soft tissue injuries by addressing underlying issues. One of the methods Chiropractors use is spinal adjustments and joint adjustments. It helps realign the affected joint and relieve pressure off the tendon, ligament and surrounding tissue. This, in turn, helps reduce the pain and inflammation.
Additionally, Chiropractic care uses soft tissue therapies that ease muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area. This promotes healing and reduces stiffness in the tendon and surrounding areas. Further, Chiropractors develop a rehabilitation plan that involves specific exercises to strengthen your muscles and joints for quick recovery and preventing future injuries.
At Chiropractic Studio in Singapore, our experts specialize in Chiropractic Care. By precise and gentle adjustments, we aim to restore spine alignment, improve nerve function, and promote overall well-being. Our team provides personalized treatment tailored to your needs. So what are you waiting for? Contact us right now to restore your health!
Get Started Today!
Contact our clinic today to schedule a Consultation and start on the path to better health.
Your Trusted Chiropractors in Singapore
- 150+ 5-star Google reviews
- 10 years experience with 2,000+ patients
- Published author about back pain
- No quick "conveyor belt" appointments
- Transparent about prices
- Specialist training for pregnant mothers
- Tailored videos & advice for faster results
At Chiro Studio, our Chiropractors are committed to providing exceptional care to our patients.
Jason Rutkauskas
Doctor of Chiropractic
Originally from Florida (USA), Jason has been serving the Singapore community for nearly 10 years. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and holds an active registration in Virginia. He believes in staying active and working on function to get the most out of our lives!
As a chiropractor in Singapore, he is well experienced with patients suffering from back or leg pain, headaches, scoliosis and chronic strain issues. He has completed further courses in Thompson, Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), Functional Range Conditioning (FRC), and is Webster certified.
His specialised analysis has created a following of athletes, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Muay-Thai, running, and cycling!
Jason is a father and avid martial artist, with a joy for teaching.
150+ 5-Star Google Reviews
See What Patients Have to Say
Check out our reviews page to find out how natural Chiropractic care has benefited our patients!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC IN SINGAPORE
When should you consult a chiropractor?
You can consider consulting a Chiropractor in Singapore if you experience persistent musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain, neck pain, or joint pain. Additionally, if you have poor posture, limited range of motion, or recurring headaches, seeking chiropractic care can complement other medical treatments. This is especially so since chiropractic care offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to pain management. Chiropractic can help pregnant mothers have easier labors with less complications, and help young children to thrive and be at their best.
Whether it’s for adults, children, or pregnant mamas, Chiropractic helps to support better function to live optimally, even if they aren’t experiencing any symptoms or problems.
Is Chiropractic therapy painful?
Chiropractic therapy is generally not painful. During chiropractic adjustments, you may feel mild discomfort or pressure as the chiropractor applies controlled force to specific areas of your body. However, this discomfort is usually temporary and will subside. Chiropractors prioritise patient comfort and will adjust their techniques to ensure a positive experience. The techniques and pressure for children and pregnant mothers will vary to fit their unique needs.
Is Chiropractic therapy safe?
Chiropractic therapy is very safe when performed by trained and licensed chiropractors. They use non-invasive techniques and take into account individual patient factors, such as medical history, to ensure appropriate care. The research shows the risks with Chiropractic are very low, being statistically safer than Panadol or Ibuprofen. However, as with any medical treatment, there may be some risks and potential side effects, which can be discussed with your chiropractor.
Are there any potential risks or side effects?
While chiropractic therapy is generally safe, there might be side effects associated with certain therapy options. These can include temporary soreness or discomfort following adjustments. In rare cases, there may be a risk of muscle tightness or tiredness. As such, it’s important to discuss any concerns or pre-existing conditions with your chiropractor to ensure safe and appropriate care.
How can I make an appointment with Chiro Studio?
Making an appointment at our Chiropractic clinic in Orchard is simple. Visit our contact us page and fill out the appointment request form, providing your contact information and any questions you might have. Alternatively, you can call our Chiropractic clinic directly and speak to our friendly staff, who will assist you in scheduling an appointment that suits your convenience.
References:
- Almekinders, L. C., & Temple, J. D. (1998). Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of tendonitis: an analysis of the literature. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 30(8), 1183–1190. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199808000-00001 Sprains, strains, and other Soft-Tissue injuries – OrthoInfo – AAOS. (n.d.). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries Website, N. (2024, June 14). Sprains and strains. nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/