Most Australians have experienced sprains at one time or another. Being a proud sporting nation, sprains are often the result of sport-related injuries. In some cases, it can be so severe that bed-rest is all that can alleviate the injured area — even our best athletes, like the Socceroos, have had to be benched because of a sprained muscle.

Here’s what you should know about sprains:

• Causes

The most common causes of sprains are owed to sporting injuries, falls, sleep disorders or poor-quality mattresses. Lifting heavy objects is also a common cause as well as poor posture, especially when working at a desk. To identify a sprain, you will usually feel pain, spasms, cramping, swelling, muscle fatigue or difficulty moving the muscle in which the area of pain is situated.

• Treatments

Treatments vary, depending on the severity of the sprain (injury). In most instances, patients are recommended to place cold packs on the area of injury, rest and gently exercise the injured muscle or tendon to prevent stiffness and insufficient circulation. Other treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, either chemically-produced or herbal. Massage therapy may also be suggested in certain cases.

• Prevention

There are preventative measures you should consider. Remember to always stretch before and after exercising, and if you are especially tired, it might be better not to exercise at all. However, exercise is the most widely recommended preventative measure against sprains and muscle pain. Keeping the body’s blood well-circulated keeps the muscle tissue healthy. Also, if your shoe heel is worn down, you may need to go shopping for a new pair.

If a sprain doesn’t seem to go away for an extended period of time, and if it is causing severe discomfort in your life and interrupting your normal day-to-day activities, it is recommended to speak to your physician. The problem may be more serious than a sprain, and the earlier you detect and diagnose it, the better your chances of recovery. If you haven’t tried herbal medicines, there are a wide range of specially-formulated anti-inflammatory medication that can you overcome muscle aches and sprains. Contact Zen Pain Relief for help on 1800 652 443.

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