Sprains and Strains: Do You Know the Difference?

Sprains and strains are two different injuries that result in the same feeling—pain. A strain is a muscle injury, and a sprain is a ligament injury. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the differences between these two injuries can help you determine the appropriate treatment approach.

A strain is an injury to the muscles that are attached to bones. When overstretched, the muscle becomes injured, or strained. Most of the time, strains occur around a joint during physical activity or sports. Common areas that are prone to strains are associated with the ankle, knee, and wrist. However, strains could potentially affect the back, neck, groin, or hamstring as well.

An injury to a ligament, or the thick tissue that connects bone together, is known as a sprain.

“The ligaments that connect your bones keep your body in alignment and help to avoid abnormal movements,” explains Dr. Eric W. Nelson, sports medicine doctor at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists. “When too much pressure or stress is applied to these ligaments, they suffer a sprain.”

Dr. Nelson says rest is the best initial treatment approach. However, you should schedule an appointment with one of the specialists at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• You have severe pain and can’t put any weight on the injured area.
• The area surrounding the injury is tender.
• The injured area is swollen and has bumps or lumps around it.
• You are unable to move the joint.
• The area has been injured several times in the past.

For more information on strains or sprains or to schedule an appointment with one of the doctors at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, call (877) 441-3736.