---
title: "Sprains and strains: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers"
description: "How to manage a sprain or muscle strain for the first 2 to 3 days, pain relief, and signs that may indicate a fracture."
url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/
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---

# Sprains and strains: Symptoms & Treatment | HealthAnswers

Health A–Z

How to manage a sprain or muscle strain for the first 2 to 3 days, pain relief, and signs that may indicate a fracture.

Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 1 August 2026

## Quick answer

What are sprains and strains? For the first 2 to 3 days after a sprain or strain, protect and rest the area, use a wrapped ice pack for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours, apply comfortable compression and elevate it. Seek urgent assessment if the limb looks deformed, is numb, turns blue or grey, or you heard a crack.

General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland).

On this page 3 sections

## Key facts about sprains and strains

- Sprains injure ligaments; strains affect muscles or tendons.
- Avoid heat, alcohol and massage for the first couple of days.
- Gentle movement should begin as pain allows to prevent stiffness.

## Early self-care

Protect the injury and avoid activities that worsen pain. Wrap ice or frozen peas in a towel rather than placing them directly on skin. Compression should be supportive, not tight enough to cause tingling or colour change.

## Pain relief

A pharmacist can advise whether [paracetamol](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/paracetamol/), an anti-inflammatory gel or another option is suitable, considering your age, pregnancy, stomach, kidney and other health conditions.

## Returning to activity

After the first couple of days, move the joint gently as pain allows. Delay strenuous exercise until movement and strength have returned without increasing pain or swelling.

## ! When to see a GP about sprains and strains

Use an urgent treatment centre or NHS 111 if pain or swelling is severe, weight-bearing is impossible, or the injury is not improving. Go to A&E for deformity, numbness, blue or grey skin, a limb that feels cold, or a crack at the time of injury.

## Common questions about sprains and strains

How long does a sprain take to heal? Many feel better after about 2 weeks, but severe sprains and strains can take months. Return to sport gradually. Should I use ice or heat? Use a wrapped cold pack during the first 2 to 3 days. Heat may increase early swelling. How can I tell a sprain from a fracture? It can be difficult without examination or an X-ray. Deformity, inability to bear weight, marked bony tenderness or a crack need assessment.

## Sources

- [NHS — Sprains and strains](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/)

## How we reviewed this page

Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/)

First published 1 August 2026 Medically reviewed 1 August 2026 Next review due 1 August 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes

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