Sprains and strains: Signs and symptoms
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Recognising sprains and strains
Sprains and strains can be managed relatively simply, so it helps to know how to identify this common type of injury.1
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Signs and symptoms
Both sprains and strains cause pain, inflammation and swelling.
- Symptoms of a sprain occur around the affected joint and can also include bruising, loss of function, and mechanical instability if severe2
- Symptoms of a strain affect the injured muscle and can include spasm, weakness and cramping2
Symptom severity depends on both the severity of the injury and the time since the injury took place – it can take up to 24 hours for bruising and swelling to become apparent.2
Understanding sprains and strains
![Causes icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/icons/GSK_GEP_magnify_glass_orange-750x421.png?auto=format)
![Management icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/icons/GSK_GEP_management_orange-750x421.png?auto=format)
![Joint and OA pain icon](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_EG/icons/GSK_GEP_ic-voltaren-us-bentknee.png?auto=format)
Overview of joint and osteoarthritic pain
Find out about how joint and osteoarthritic pain are, and meet two patients with joint pain.
Learn more
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Voltaren Triple Effect 1% Emulgel
Voltaren Emulgel is indicated for the external treatment of pain, inflammation and swelling in:4
- Injuries of the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints e.g. sparins, bruises, strains and back pain.4
- Localized forms of soft tissue rheumatism.4
- and for symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis of small and medium-sized joints located close to the skin.4
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Patient care resources
Access a leaflet for your patients which can help them understand the causes of muscle pain and how best to treat it.