Differences Between a Sprain and a Strain?

Two common injuries that are often hard to distinguish between are sprains and strains. Both terms are known for describing overstretching or tearing of soft tissues in and around your joints. Physical therapy in Plainview can help you identify the difference and learn the treatment options available.

Sprain

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Sprain

A joint sprain involves the overstretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are tissues that connect two bones in a joint. One of the most common locations for a sprain is the ankle joint. Symptoms of a sprain include:

  • Bruising
  • Pain around the affected joint
  • Swelling
  • Limited flexibility
  • Difficulty with a range of motion

Strain 

A strain in the joint is overstretching or tearing of muscles and or tendons. Tendons are cords of tissue that connect bones to muscles. The most common areas for muscle strain are the hamstring and the lower back. Some symptoms of a strain include:

  • Muscle spasm
  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Limited flexibility
  • Difficulty with a range of motion

The symptoms of a sprain and strain are fairly similar because they are similar injuries. The major difference between the two is possible bruising in the affected joint with a sprain as opposed to muscle spasms with a strain. 

A sprain involves an injury to the tissue connecting the bone, whereas a strain affects the muscle.

Causes

Situations that are more likely to cause sprains or strains include:

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Strain

  • Sports or exercise
  • Accidents involving falling or slipping
  • Heavy lifting
  • Overexerting yourself
  • Sitting or standing in an awkward position
  • Environmental conditions like slippery or uneven surfaces
  • Fatigue: tired muscles provide less support for your joints
  • Poor equipment such as improperly fitted footwear

Physical Therapy in Plainview Treatments! 

Both mild sprains and strains can be treated with the same technique. This is referred to as RICE. 

  • Rest: Avoid using the affected joint to give it ample time to heal.
  • Ice: This aids in the reduction of swelling and inflammation. Wrapped in a towel, ice the affected area on and off for 20 mins. Repeat often during the first 24 to 48 hours.
  • Compression: This will help reduce swelling. Moderately wrap the affected joint in a bandage or trainers tape.
  • Elevation: To help reduce swelling, keep the affected joint elevated above the level of your heart.

This method should help make you more comfortable and reduce the symptoms. For more severe cases such as the inability to walk or stand without pain, contact physical therapy in Plainview.

Contact Physical Therapy in Plainview!

If you’ve injured yourself during a sport or have accidentally fallen and think you may have a sprain or strain, don’t hesitate to contact us. All-Star Physical Therapy wants to help you recover by offering quality care and a personalized treatment plan.