Learn More: Sprains and Strains
When to Call a Doctor
Although most sprains and strains can be treated at home, some require professional medical care. If there is any possibility that a bone is broken, professional treatment is needed immediately. Signs that indicate an injury requires professional medical attention include:
- Rapid swelling or rapid bruising at the site of injury (within 15 minutes of the initial injury)
- Inability to move the injured joint (or movement causes sharp pain)
- Inability to put any weight on an injured limb
- Injured area is twisted or bent out of shape
- Popping sound is heard at the time of the injury
- Grating sound is heard from the bones in the injured area
- Loss of feeling in the injured area
- Redness and heat at the site of the injury, accompanied by a fever
- No improvement in 1 week
- Repeated injury to the same area (more than once per year)
