Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
Muscle strains and sprains
Muscle strains and sprains are common sports injuries. Symptoms range from pain including aches, swelling or tightness. Our sports and exercise medicine consultants are experts in helping to diagnose these symptoms and treat you.
About muscle problems
Muscle strains and sprains can be a common consequence of playing sport or over exertion during activities. These may occur from physical contact or not warming your muscles up properly before playing. You will likely experience pain, swelling and tightness in the pain area. Your consultant can help to diagnose and discuss a range of treatment options with you.
Need to know
Muscle strains happen as a result of muscle fibres stretching beyond their limit. There are different severity levels and symptoms:
Severity
- Grade 1: affects a few fibres and can heal between 2-3 weeks
- Grade 2: affects more muscle fibres and can be very painful; takes up to six weeks to heal
- Grade 3: muscle tissue rupture; recovery can be up to three months
Symptoms
- muscle pain
- muscle spasms and cramps
- muscle weakness
- muscle swelling and inflammation
The hamstrings and the back can be particularly vulnerable.
Muscle sprains refer to a ligament tear or stretching, such as a twisted ankle.
Symptoms include:
- swelling/bruising
- pain/discomfort
- restriction of movement in the area
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you to help make a diagnosis. Tests we offer to diagnose joint inflammation and swelling include:
- a physical examination to understand the extent of the injury
- X-rays to assess and/or rule out broken bones
Your consultant will discuss your treatment options and help to determine the best approach for you. Treatment options might include:
- physiotherapy course relevant to your specific injury
- pain relief medication - if required, you may be given crutches to assist with walking
- surgery may be considered for a torn ligament or ruptured muscle
Your consultant will discuss these treatment options with you in detail during the diagnosis process.
Muscle strains and pains in children
When children complain of muscle pain, how do you know if it is growing pains that go away or an early sign of something more serious? Growing pains are common in children, in preadolescent years and often disappear in early teenager years. Whilst painful, this musculoskeletal pain is very common in children who play sports regularly or if your child has flexible joints.
Knowing when to contact a specialist is when your child suffers continuous pain, for example it is frequent (lasts more than a couple of days), leg pain is present in only one leg, your child has trouble walking and begins limping or presents a rash. At the Portland Hospital, we have specialists that are able to help diagnose your child to identify if they are suffering a joint inflammation from sports or something that is more chronic.
Our Muscle strains and sprains locations
Golders Green Outpatients
Roman House, 296 Golders Green Road Golders Green NW11 9PY London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.