Sprain and Strain Care Near You
Get Back to Moving With Non-Surgical Sprain and Strain Care
A rolled ankle on the trail, a pulled hamstring during a game, or a tweaked back from lifting at work can leave you sore and swollen. You may not know how much to push through. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough band that holds a joint together. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, the cord that attaches muscle to bone. Some of these injuries settle down fast. Others linger because the tissue never fully healed.
At DiCesare Orthopedic Medicine in Greensburg, Dr. Jacob DiCesare treats sprains and strains without surgery. He completed a sports medicine fellowship with Allegheny Health Network. He builds each plan around your health history, your daily demands, and what you want to get back to doing.
If a sprain or strain isn't improving, call our front desk at (724) 261-4080 or request an appointment online. Same-day and same-week appointments are available.
Know When an Injury Needs a Closer Look
Sprain and Strain Symptoms, Treatment, and Warning Signs
Sprains Versus Strains and the Signs of Each
The MedlinePlus guide to sprains and strains(opens in a new tab), from the National Library of Medicine, says both injuries cause pain, swelling, and trouble moving the area. A sprain may also bruise. It can come with a feeling of a pop or tear when it happens. A strain often brings muscle spasms. Ankle and wrist sprains are common, and so are back and hamstring strains.
Providers often describe sprains in three grades. The grade helps decide how much protection and rehab an injury needs.
The three grades of a sprain
- Grade 1Mild stretching with some ligament damage.
- Grade 2A partial tear with some looseness in the joint.
- Grade 3A complete tear that leaves the joint unstable.
When to Have a Sprain or Strain Checked
A visit makes sense when pain hasn't eased after a few days of rest. It also makes sense when walking or using the joint hurts, or when soreness continues while you're resting. Come in if your motion is limited, the joint feels loose or gives way, or your work or sport is suffering. Pushing through a partial tear can turn a short setback into a long one.
How We Treat Sprains and Strains Without Surgery
Care starts with a thorough exam. We go over your health history, past injuries, lifestyle, and goals. When the exam leaves questions, musculoskeletal ultrasound lets us see ligaments, tendons, and muscles in real time. A complete orthopedic exam pulls the findings together. Treatment is then matched to the tissue involved and how severe the injury is. Options include:
If your injury came from training or competition, our page on sports injuries covers that side in more detail.
Signs an Injury Needs Prompt Attention
Some symptoms call for fast medical care instead of home treatment. Get checked right away for severe pain, or if you can't put weight on the limb. The same goes for a joint that looks out of place, numbness or tingling, fever, or redness that spreads or forms streaks. These signs can point to a complete tear, a broken bone, a nerve problem, or an infection rather than a simple sprain or strain. If you can't reach us quickly, urgent care or an emergency room is the safer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a sprain or strain to heal?
Healing time depends on which tissue was hurt and how badly. Mild sprains and strains often improve over a few weeks with rest and protection. A muscle tear can take months to heal properly. A hands-on exam and, when needed, an ultrasound help us estimate where your injury falls and what will support recovery.
Should I use ice or heat on a sprain or pulled muscle?
Ice is usually the better choice in the first days. The MedlinePlus overview of sports injuries(opens in a new tab) lists rest, ice, compression, and elevation, known as RICE, as the usual first step. We generally suggest icing for up to 20 minutes at a time. Wrap the area with an elastic bandage and keep it raised at or above heart level.
Do I need an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan for a sprain?
Not always. Many sprains and strains can be sorted out with a careful exam. Ultrasound helps when it's unclear whether a ligament, muscle, or tendon is torn. It's painless and uses no radiation, and it's available right here in our office.
Can a sprain heal on its own without treatment?
A mild sprain often can. But a ligament that heals loose may leave the joint prone to rolling or giving way again. If pain, swelling, or instability hasn't improved after several days, get an exam. It can show whether something more is going on and keep a small injury from becoming a repeat problem.
How can I prevent muscle strains?
Warm up before activity, wear proper gear, and replace worn-out shoes. Stay hydrated and pace yourself. Regular rest days matter too, since tired muscles are more likely to tear. If a strain keeps coming back, a closer look at your movement and training can show why.
Do you perform surgery for torn ligaments?
Dr. Jacob DiCesare doesn't perform surgery, so treatment here is non-surgical. If an exam shows that a tear needs surgical repair, he'll refer you to an orthopedic surgeon and help you plan the next step.
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