Sprains and strains - Diagnosing sprains and strains

When diagnosing a strain or sprain, your doctor will ask how you injured yourself and will perform a physical examination. In severe cases, an X-ray may be needed.

Your doctor will want to know about treatments you have already tried, as well as any medication you are currently taking that could affect the injury, such as anticoagulants (medication that reduces the ability of the blood to clot).

The affected joint or muscle will be examined to assess how severe your injury is. Your doctor will check for:

• pain, discomfort and tenderness in the injured area
• swelling and inflammation
• any lumps and bumps not usually present
• bruising or bleeding in the joint or muscle

They will also assess how much you can move the injured joint or muscle and whether you are able to put your weight on it.

If you have a severe sprain, your doctor may check whether the ligaments are loose. This is sometimes called joint instability, mechanical instability or ligamentous laxity.

X-rays

Most people with sprains and strains do not need to have X-rays.

However, an X-ray may be recommended if:

• you are unable to put any weight on your ankle, foot or leg
• there is tenderness of the bones at specific points on your ankle, foot or leg
• you have difficulty moving your knee

An X-ray may also be recommended if you are over 55 years of age and have injured your knee, because people over 55 have a higher risk of developing a fracture after this type of injury.