It is understandable why people mistakenly believe that sprains and strains are the same injury because, in addition to sharing a name, they also exhibit similar symptoms, such as inflammation and pain. A sprain and strain however affect different body tissues, and there are differences between the two as the ankle strain symptoms and sprain symptoms are quite different. In any case athletes are most likely to sustain these injuries while participating in their favorite sports, so it is important that they understand the distinctions between them, how to avoid them, and how to receive the best treatment.
What is a strain and sprain?
The key difference between a strain and sprain lies in the type of soft tissue affected.
Sprains:
When ligaments are stretched or torn beyond their normal range of motion, it is called a sprain. Ligaments are tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect bones at joints, providing stability. Sprains commonly occur around the ankle, wrist, knee and thumb.
Strains:
When a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, it is considered a strain. Tendons are like tough cords that connect muscles to bones, transmitting force for movement. Muscles can also be strained due to excessive force or repetitive use. Common strain locations can include lower back.
Is a strain or sprain worse?
Both strain and sprain are considered equally bad. Whereas a severe ankle sprain impacts the ligaments, strains impact the tendons. Ligament and tendons are examples of connective tissue with varying degrees of severity. As a result, you may experience a minor strain or a serious sprain, or the opposite.
Grades one through three correspond to the severity of a sprain or strain, with grade 1 being the least severe. A grade of one means that both were overstretched. Next, a partial tear is denoted by a grade two, and a complete tear by a grade three.
For both, you should see a doctor if the injury is bruised, swollen, extremely painful, severely limited in its range of motion, or if the symptoms do not get better after a few days of rest. When in doubt, reach out to the best ortho specialist in Coimbatore to seek accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Overstretching is a common cause of strains, which can result from a single incident or a series of incidents over time. A sprain, on the other hand, typically results from an abnormal posture. Knowing what happened might help you identify the type of injury you have. Always ensure to seek expert medical advice.
What are the common symptoms of strain and sprain?
While pain is a common symptom of both sprains and strains, other indicators can help differentiate them:
The common symptoms of sprains:
- Pain at the joint, often sharp and worsening with movement
- Swelling and inflammation around the joint
- Bruising around the joint
- Difficulty putting on weight on the affected joint
- Popping and snapping sensation at the time of injury.
- Twisted leg pain
The common symptoms of strains:
- Pain in the muscle belly, often described as dull ache or tightness.
- Tenderness to touch in the affected areas.
- Muscle weakness or reduced range of motion
- No bruising
- Muscle spasms
What are the common causes of strains and sprains?
Both sprains and strains can happen due to several causes, they include:
Sprains:
- Sudden twisting or rolling of a joint beyond its normal range of motion.
- Falls or direct blows to the joint
- Overuse or repetitive stress on a joint
Strains:
- Sudden forceful movements or lifting heavy objects
- Repetitive movements, especially with improper form in exercise or manual labor.
- Tight muscles that are prone to tearing
- Lack of proper warm-up before exercise.
Which heals faster a sprain or strain?
As tendons heal more quickly than ligaments, strains heal more quickly. It will take roughly two weeks for both to heal. To avoid further injury, you will need to refrain from intense activity and exercise for up to eight weeks. Grade three sprains or strains, regretfully, often take months to heal, requiring medical attention at first and then physical therapy.
What is the treatment option for sprain and strain?
The same method is used to treat mild sprains and strains. RICE is the name of this technique. RICE stands for:
Rest:
Avoid using the injured joint or try to avoid using it while it heals. This will allow time for the joint to heal.
Ice:
Ice aids in reducing inflammation and edema. Ice should never come into contact with your skin. Rather, encircle an ice bag with a thin towel or piece of clothing. After 20 minutes of leaving it on the afflicted area, take the ice off for another 20 minutes. Throughout the first 24 to 48 hours, repeat as much as you can.
Compression:
Compression will assist in minimizing edema. Use athletic tape or bandages to cover the injured joint. However, avoid wrapping too tightly as this may decrease the blood supply.
Elevation:
Make an effort to keep the injured joint elevated above the heart level. This will assist in lowering edema. You might need to spend the first two days following your injury in bed or on the couch if your knee or ankle is injured. It’s okay to keep it parallel to the ground if you can’t keep it as high as your heart.
What are the tips to prevent these injuries?
Painful injuries like sprains and strains can prevent you from playing. You can take the following steps to help guard against sprains and strains:
- Wear right fitting shoes
- While playing a sport make sure to wear right gear
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Warm up and stretch out before and after exercise
- In case of any pain don’t overstretch yourself
To put it briefly, you can help prevent these injuries by making every effort to wear appropriate and protective gear and by taking good care of your body, which includes regular exercise and knowing when to take breaks.
Important takeaway:
Medical attention is required for common injuries like sprains and strains. Even though most of the treatments can be completed at home, a personalized plan is necessary to ensure full recovery and prevent further harm. Consult the best ortho hospital in Coimbatore in case you are experiencing severe pain from your injuries.
