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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Factors contributing to sprains and strains include:

  • Poor conditioning. Lack of conditioning can leave your muscles weak and more likely to sustain injury.
  • Fatigue. Tired muscles are less likely to provide good support for your joints. When you're tired, you're also more likely to succumb to forces that could stress a joint or overextend a muscle.
  • Improper warm-up. Properly warming up before vigorous physical activity loosens your muscles and increases joint range of motion, making the muscles less tight and less prone to trauma and tears.
References
  1. Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp. Accessed July 28, 2009.
  2. Activity health tip #2: Sprains, strains and contusions. National Athletic Trainers' Association. http://www.nata.org/consumer/sprainsandstrains.htm. Accessed July 28, 2009.
  3. Sprains and strains: What's the difference? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111. Accessed July 29, 2009.
  4. El Abd O. Low back strain or sprain. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151967914-3/868577610/1678/47.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50046-8_717. Accessed July 29, 2009.
  5. Geiderman JM. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151967914-3/868577610/1365/118.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50051-2--cesec59_1711. Accessed July 29, 2009.

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Oct. 17, 2009

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