What is the difference between a sprain & strain?
What is Sprain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones to one another at a joint. Sprains commonly occur in the ankles, wrists, and knees. They can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the ligament.
Causes of Sprains:
- Sudden twisting or turning of a joint beyond its normal range of motion.
- Falling or landing awkwardly.
- Impact to the joint during physical activities such as sports or exercise.
- Lifting heavy objects improperly, leading to overstretching of ligaments.
Symptoms of Sprain::
- Pain around the affected joint.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Limited range of motion.
- Tenderness to the touch.
- Instability or feeling of “giving way” in the joint.
- Sometimes a popping sensation at the time of injury.
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury. Mild sprains may only cause slight discomfort and swelling, while severe sprains can be extremely painful and may require medical attention.
What is Strain?
- A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. It can occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched, overused, or torn. Strains are common in areas of the body that are subject to repetitive movements or sudden, forceful actions.
Causes of strains:
- Overstretching or overloading the muscle during physical activity, such as lifting heavy objects with improper form.
- Sudden movements or impacts that force the muscle to contract or stretch beyond its normal range of motion.
- Fatigue or weakness in the muscle, which can increase the risk of injury during physical activity.
- Poor flexibility or inadequate warm-up before exercise, leading to increased vulnerability to strain.
Symptoms of a strain may include:
- Pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe and sharp pain, depending on the severity of the injury.
- Swelling and bruising around the affected muscle.
- Muscle weakness or inability to bear weight on the injured limb.
- Limited range of motion or stiffness in the affected muscle or joint.
- Tenderness to the touch at the site of injury.
- Muscle spasms or cramping in severe cases.
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the strain. Mild strains may only cause slight discomfort and swelling, while severe strains can be extremely painful and may significantly impair movement and function.
How can I recover from a Sprain or Strain?
- Rest: Avoid using the injured ligament/muscle/tendon and allow it to rest as much as possible.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to compress the injured area, which helps control swelling and provides support.
- Elevation: Elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart whenever possible to reduce swelling.
Courtesy:
- Image from www.freepik.com
- This article was written with the help of open.ai and was vetted for accuracy by a Registered Physiotherapist before publishing. This article is not intended to replace any medical advice, if you have Sprain or Strain you are advised to consult the Physiotherapist to arrive at a diagnosis and a proper treatment plan. Thank you.