A rolled ankle on the trail, a sore knee after a pickup game, a pulled muscle while moving furniture — these injuries are common at any age. Most improve with good home care, but some need an exam to heal properly. Sports medicine is one of Dr. Adiet's special interests.
Sprain or strain?
- A sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament — the tissue that connects bones at a joint. Ankles, knees and wrists are most often affected.
- A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, often in the back, hamstring or calf.
The first 48–72 hours
- Protect and rest the area — avoid activities that cause pain, but gentle movement as tolerated helps recovery.
- Ice for 15–20 minutes at a time, a few times a day, with a cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Compression with an elastic wrap can limit swelling — snug, not tight.
- Elevate the injured limb above heart level when you can.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers may help; check with us if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcers, take blood thinners or are unsure what's safe for you.
See a doctor if…
- You can't put weight on the leg or use the joint
- The joint looks deformed, or you heard a "pop" with immediate swelling
- There is numbness, tingling, or the area looks pale or cold
- The knee locks, catches or gives way
- Pain or swelling isn't improving after a few days, or you keep re-injuring the same spot
- A child or teen has pain near a growth plate (near the ends of long bones)
What we do
We examine the joint, check stability and circulation, and order X-rays or other imaging when needed. Then we build a recovery plan — bracing, exercises, a safe return-to-activity timeline and referral to physical therapy or orthopedics when it helps.
Prevent the next one
Warm up, build strength and balance gradually, wear supportive shoes, and increase training slowly. Knee pain that comes on over time is often helped by strengthening the hips and thighs.
Hurt yourself? Call (936) 756-2888 — same-day appointments are often available.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health. In an emergency, call 911.