Bruises, strains & sprains - What are the symptoms?
In this section
Bruises
Bruises occur when there is bleeding beneath the skin, usually after a knock. If the injury damages your blood vessels, blood leaks out and gathers under your skin. At first the bruise will be blue or black, then it will turn yellow. You may also notice some initial swelling and soreness.
Strains
Strains are torn muscle fibres and are usually caused when a muscle moves too far or too fast. The symptoms include pain, swelling and muscle spasm (which is a painful contraction of the muscle involved). Bruising of the overlying skin may appear after a day or two.
Strains are common in all sorts of sports, especially if you don’t warm up properly. Bending or lifting frequently can cause strained back muscles (see Backache).
Sprains
Sprains occur when ligaments (tissues that hold the bones of a joint together) are injured, usually by a sudden pull or twist. Symptoms usually include swelling and pain. One of the most common areas for a sprain is the ankle, usually as a result of missing your footing or twisting your ankle.
Be careful not to get the terms ‘sprain’ and ‘strain’ mixed up.
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This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.
