Did Your New Year Fitness Routine Result in a Strain or Sprain Injury?

Starting a New Year fitness routine is a great way to prioritize your health and wellness, but pushing too hard or using improper form can sometimes result in injuries like strains or sprains. While these injuries are common, knowing the difference and when to seek medical care is crucial to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term damage. At Caliber Pain™ in New York City, our team of orthopedic specialists is here to help you recover safely and return to the activities you love.

Strains vs. Sprains: What’s the Difference?

Though they may sound similar, strains and sprains involve different parts of the body and require distinct approaches to treatment.

Strains

A strain occurs when muscles or tendons (the tissues that connect muscles to bones) are overstretched or torn. Overuse, sudden movements, or improper warm-ups often cause strains. Symptoms of a strain include:

• Muscle pain or tenderness.
• Swelling or bruising.
• Limited range of motion.
• Muscle spasms.

Common sites for strains include the hamstrings, lower back, and shoulders.

Sprains

A sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments, which connect bones and stabilize joints. Sprains are typically caused by twisting or wrenching movements, such as rolling an ankle during a workout. Symptoms of a sprain include:

• Joint pain or instability.
• Swelling or bruising.
• Difficulty bearing weight on the joint.
• A popping sensation at the time of injury.

Sprains most commonly occur in the ankles, knees, and wrists.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

While minor strains and sprains can often be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the R.I.C.E. method), more severe injuries require medical evaluation. Seek medical treatment if you experience:

• Severe pain or swelling.
• Inability to move the affected area.
• Visible deformity in the joint or limb.
• Symptoms that persist or worsen after several days.

Ignoring a strain or sprain can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even long-term instability.

How Caliber Pain™ Can Help

At Caliber Pain™, we specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries using a multidisciplinary, non-surgical approach. Our team of board-certified doctors offers customized care plans tailored to your specific injury and recovery goals. Our sport’s injury treatment options include:

• Physical Therapy: Strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore mobility.
• Interventional Procedures: Advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation.
• Pain Psychology: Support for overcoming the mental and emotional challenges of pain recovery.

Our state-of-the-art facility ensures fast access to diagnostic tools and cutting-edge technology so you can begin treatment without delay.

Get Back to Doing What You Love

Don’t let a strain or sprain derail your New Year fitness goals. With expert care from Caliber Pain™ in NYC, you can recover quickly and safely, preventing complications and regaining your strength. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward pain relief and healing.