Sprains Vs. Strains

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The terms “sprain” and “strain” are often used to describe overstretching or tearing of soft tissue in and around your joint. Although the words sound very similar, there are key differences and knowing the critical difference can help you distinguish between these two injuries.

Symptoms

Sprain: tearing or overstretching of ligaments, which are bands of tissue that connect bones in a joint. The most common area for this injury is the ankle joint.

Strain: tearing or overstretching of muscles and tendons — dense fibrous cords of tissue that connect your bones to different muscles. The most common areas for a muscle strain are the hamstring and lower back.

Since the injuries themselves are very similar, the symptoms are often confused. The key difference is that with a sprain, you may experience bruising around the affected joint. And in a strain, you could have spasms in the affected muscle.

Risk Factors

Anyone can suffer a sprain or strain at any point, but certain risk factors increase your chances of sustaining these types of injuries:

  • Not properly warming up before exercise or activities

  • Being out of shape or poor conditioning

  • Worn out shoes or improper equipment

  • Weather conditions or uneven surfaces

Diagnosis

After a physical exam, your doctor might request an X-ray, which would rule out any breaks or fractures. If the results aren’t conclusive, they might require an MRI. An MRI gives a detailed view of your joint, revealing very small or thin breaks an X-ray wouldn’t be able to identify. If nothing comes up, your doctor will most likely diagnose a sprain or a strain.

Treatment

Mild strains and sprains are treated with a technique known as RICE, which stands for the following;

  • Rest: Stay off the affected joint to give it time to heal

  • Ice: Ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation

  • Compression: Compression will reduce the swelling

  • Elevation: Keep the affected joint elevated above your heart level to help reduce swelling

Many people are usually able to return to limited activities in a short time after sustaining a mild strain or sprain. If you’re experiencing prolonged pain, you should to seek out the assistance of physical therapy as physical therapy will provide the proper treatment to reduce pain, as well as prevent future injuries.

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