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What causes a sprain or strain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament and a strain is an injury to a tendon. You can tell the difference between a sprain and a strain due to the location of the injury, the anatomical structures involved, and the symptoms.
You can tell the difference between a sprain and a strain due to the location of the injury, the anatomical structures involved, and the symptoms.
Ligaments are tissues near joints in the body that connect two or more bones. When one or more of these ligaments is stretched or torn, the resulting injury is called a sprain.
A tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that connects a bone to a muscle. When the tendon or attached muscle is stretched or torn, the resulting injury is called a strain.
There are several ways you can get a sprain. Getting hit, twisting, or falling can make your joint move to an abnormal position. This can cause the ligaments near the joint to stretch or tear.
Sprains occur in different ways depending on their location in the body. Different locations of sprains include:
- Knee joint — typically caused by activity that causes you to pivot
- Ankle — typically caused by awkward landing from a jump or other mobile activity on an uneven surface
- Thumb — typically caused by overextension while playing sports
- Wrist — typically caused by falling and landing on an outstretched hand
Strains can occur when you pull or twist a tendon or muscle. They can occur suddenly or develop over time. Causes of strains include:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Too much stress on muscles
- Current injury in the area
- Movement of the tendons or muscles in the same way repetitively over time.
What are the symptoms of a sprain or strain?
In a minor sprain, stretching occurs in the ligaments, but the joint is still stable. In a moderate sprain, the ligament may partially tear, and the joint loses stability. If the sprain is severe, the ligament can be completely torn and separated from the joint.
Sprain symptoms include:
When an injury occurs to the ligament, the joint stability decreases, and you may feel a pop or tear. The ankle is the most commonly sprained joint. Continuous straining can lead to arthritis.
Strains are caused by stretching, pulling, or overuse of muscles or tendons. Common symptoms of a strain include:
- Muscle spasm
- Muscle weakness
- Inflammation
- Pain
- Swelling
- Cramping
With a mild strain, the tendon or muscle is stretched mildly. A moderate strain results in overstretched muscles or a partial tear. If the muscle or tendon is ruptured, some function of the muscle will be lost. This is a severe strain.
How is a sprain vs. a strain diagnosed?
To determine if you have a sprain or a strain, you will have to see a doctor. Your doctor will examine you and look for pain and swelling in the affected area. The extent of pain with both a sprain and strain can be about the same.
Imaging such as an x-ray or MRI may be ordered. They can rule out fractures and bone injury and determine the extent of your injury.
Severe sprains and strains could result in a bone fracture. Fractures are breaks or chips in the bone, many times resulting from sports injuries, accidents, or weak bones.
How are sprains and strains treated?
Treatment for sprains and strains is about the same. To minimize symptoms like pain and swelling from your injury, you should initiate RICE treatment.
- Rest your injury. This may include the use of a cane or crutches.
- Ice your injury. Apply cold compresses for twenty minutes several times a day.
- Compress your injury. Splints, bandages, and other devices will hold the injury still and reduce pain and swelling.
- Elevate your injury. Prop the injured area up on a pillow to reduce swelling.
Your doctor may recommend that you use over-the-counter medicines such as Motrin.
An extreme sprain or strain may need to be immobilized. In extreme cases, you may need surgery. Both may need to be followed by physical therapy.
How can sprains and strains be prevented?
Whether you are sedentary or an athlete, you or anyone else can get a sprain or a strain. There are things you can do to limit your risk of getting an injury, though.
- Stretch your body by exercising every day.
- Wear supportive shoes that fit properly.
- Support strong, healthy muscles by eating a nutritious diet.
- If you play sports or participate in organized physical activities, warm up beforehand.
- Always wear protective equipment that is made for your physical activity.
- Post-injury, participate in conditioning activities to build muscle strength.
