First Aid – Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains aren’t the most serious injury a person can experience at work, but they are among the most common. This course explains what sprains and strains are, explains the RICE method for training sprains and strains, and gives tips on when a person with a strain or sprain should seek additional medical care.
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Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Identify the difference between sprains and strains
- Identify causes of sprains and strains
- Discuss ways to prevent sprains and strains
- Describe first aid measures and the four steps of the RICE first aid method for a sprain and strain
- Identify reasons to get additional medical care for a sprain or strain
- Discuss recovery time and options for additional medical care for sprains and strains
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
What is a sprain?
A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament.
What is a strain?
A strain is a stretched or torn muscle.
What is appropriate first aid for a sprain or strain?
The acronym RICE walks you through the four basic steps of providing first aid for a sprain or strain: rest, ice, compress, and elevate.
What are some common ways of suffering a sprain and strain at work?
Working too hard or too quickly; working with poor or improper ergonomics; working in a work area with poor housekeeping; and horseplay at work.
Is it ever necessary to seek medical care for a sprain or strain?
Yes, though in most cases this isn’t necessary, in some cases it is. This includes if the injured area won’t support weight, if the area is numb or unstable, if there’s severe swelling or pain, if the person can’t move the injured area, or in there is redness or red streaks (which indicate infection).
Sample Video Transcript
Ligaments are strong flexible tissues that connect bones and keep joints in position. A sprain can tear ligament fibers partially or completely. They can swell quickly and be very painful. Ankles and knees are the most common sprain locations. A strain can tear a part or all of the muscle fibers and tendons attached to the muscle. Muscle strains are common in the lower back, neck, shoulder, and the muscle behind your thigh, also called the hamstring. You may feel a little stiff or if it is a severe strain, the pain may be great and movement may be very limited.
Additional Resources
- WebMD – www.webmd.com
- Web MD Basics – http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/understanding-sprains-strains-basics
- Web MD First Aid – http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/muscle-strain-treatment
- US National Library of Medicine (NLM) – www.nlm.nih.gov
- NLM Medline First Aid – https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000042.htm
- Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org
- Mayo Clinic First Aid – http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-sprain/basics/ART-20056622
- American Red Cross – www.redcross.org
- American Red Cross SafetyNET – http://www.redcross.org/email/safetynet/v1n7/sprains.asp
- National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) – www.niams.nih.gov
- NIAMS Q&A on Sprains and Strains – http://niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/
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