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
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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 1.16% Emulgel for strains and sprains
Relieves pain, reduces inflammation and speeds up the natural healing process.4–6
![Man relieved of joint pains](https://i-cf65.ch-static.com/content/dam/cf-consumer-healthcare/health-professionals/en_SA/pain-relief/panadol/Panadol-Brand-Focused-Learning-Module-for-Pharmacist%20750x421.jpg?auto=format)
Joint pain & osteoarthritis
Based on the 2018 Global Pain Index (GPI), 92% of 24,000 people surveyed around the world suffered from some pain and 87% experienced joint pain. Discover more about joint and osteoarthritic pain including signs and symptoms and, how to manage them.
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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.