Sprain or strain?
A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament, the tissue that connects bones at a joint. Ankles and wrists are the most common. A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon, often in the back, hamstring or calf.
Mild to moderate sprains and strains usually heal in a few days to a few weeks.
Listed in Ontario’s minor ailments program as: Musculoskeletal sprains and strains.
Common symptoms
- Pain and tenderness around a joint or muscle
- Swelling and bruising
- Stiffness or trouble moving it normally
How a Kennedy pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist will ask how it happened and check for signs that it might be a broken bone or a more serious injury.
They may prescribe an anti-inflammatory pain reliever, as a gel you rub on or as tablets, and explain how to use it safely with your other medications. We’ll also go over the first few days of care: rest, ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, a compression wrap, and raising it up. Then gentle movement as soon as it’s comfortable.
Need a brace, tensor bandage or ice pack? We have those too.
If we think you’d be better served by a doctor, we’ll tell you, and help you figure out where to go.
Medicines a pharmacist may consider
- Diclofenac gel (Voltaren Emulgel)an anti-inflammatory gel rubbed on the sore spot
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)anti-inflammatory tablets for pain and swelling
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)an anti-inflammatory that’s gentler on the stomach for some people
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)for pain when anti-inflammatories aren’t right for you
Your pharmacist chooses based on your symptoms, age, pregnancy, allergies and other medications, so not every option is right for everyone. Brand names are examples. We often use the generic version, which works the same and usually costs less.
What it costs
The assessment is free with a valid Ontario health card. It’s paid for by the province, just like a visit to your doctor.
If you’re prescribed something, the medicine is paid for like any other prescription: through your drug plan, the Ontario Drug Benefit (65+ and other eligible people), OHIP+ (under 25 without a private plan), or out of pocket.
Good to know: Here’s something many people don’t realize: some drug plans will cover anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, or a diclofenac gel, when a pharmacist prescribes them. We’ll check yours before you pay.
No Ontario health card? Text or call us first and we’ll tell you the fee before we start.
When to see a doctor instead
See your family doctor, a walk-in clinic or a nurse practitioner if:
- It isn’t improving after 5 to 7 days
- You have numbness, tingling, or the area looks pale or cold
- You’ve injured the same spot several times
- You have back pain with fever, or pain that wakes you at night
Call 911 or go to the ER if:
- You can’t put any weight on it or take 4 steps, or there’s pain right on the bone
- The joint or limb looks bent or out of place
- You heard a pop and it swelled up right away
- Any injury to the head, neck or spine, or back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control
Not sure? Call Health811 (dial 811) any time to speak with a registered nurse, free.