Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics - Medical Information Sprains, strains and bruise information For those that exercise regularly, the most common injuries include bruises, strains, and sprains. Fortunately, they're also about the easiest to treat. Bruises are usually the result of a contusion or blow to the body that causes a capillary or vein to burst, releasing blood underneath the skin. Bruises can be treated by elevating the injured area, allowing the blood to circulate.
Athletes often strain muscles while exercising.
A strain is really just a pulled muscle caused by undue stress or tension on a ligament. Strains are easily treated with an ice pack the first 24 hours and then heat application periodically throughout the next day. A sprain is a more severe injury that occurs when a joint moves outside its usual range of movement, causing a tear in the ligament. The area is generally very sore, and the joint usually won't function properly. Applying ice and elevating the sprained area can help reduce swelling and ease the pain, and an elastic bandage can hold the joint in place while the ligament heals.