Sprains and Strains

Sprains and Strains, what is the difference? We have often heard the terms but do you really know what they mean, or what to do about them? Well here are your answers!

Sprains are when you tear or stretch a ligament, whereas strains are when you tear or stretch a muscle or tendon. Ligaments are the tissue that connect the bones in a joint. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bones.

Sprained ankles and wrists occur most frequently and you may even hear a pop or tear when the sprain occurs. You will notice swelling, pain, bruising, and you will likely have a hard time moving your joint. These usually occur from falling, or twisting.

Strains occur when you overexert a muscle or tendon, lift the wrong way, or have a recent injury. They also can occur over time by using it the same way over and over. Strains will have some different symptoms than sprains. There may still be pain and swelling, but also the muscle might be weak, spasming, cramping, or unable to move.

Guidelines for treatment for both strains and sprains from the National Institute of Health say to:

• "Rest the injured area. If the ankle or knee is hurt, the doctor might tell you to use crutches or a cane.
• Put ice on the injury for 20 minutes at a time. The doctor might say to do this 4 to 8 times a day.
• Compress (squeeze) the injury using special bandages, casts, boots, or splints. Your doctor will tell you which one is best for you and how tight it should be.
• Put the injured ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist up on a pillow.
• The doctor may recommend taking medicines, such as aspirin or ibuprofen" (NIH, 2009).

NIH. (2012). What are Sprains and Strains? NIH. Retrieved from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/sprains_and_strains_ff.asp