---
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/
robots: noindex
---

# 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.

## Who is this page for?

This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Sprains and strains, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally.

## Who should skip this page?

Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service 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, 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/)