Strain vs. Sprain: Do You Know the Difference?
A sprain or strain can turn a twist into a shout. Though these common injuries often occur while playing sports on the athletic field, they can occur anywhere, with any physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports they’re the most frequent work-related injuries for people between ages 25 and 44.
Whether you are recovering from or want to avoid sprains and strains, here’s what you should know about each.
Detecting the Sprain
Ligaments are bands of soft tissue that connect bone to bone. Located at each joint, ligaments help keep your joints in proper position. Force a joint to move beyond its natural range of motion, and the ligament will stretch more than it should. It may even tear. This stretching or tearing is a sprain. Sprains can affect ligaments around any joint, but ankle sprains and wrist sprains are two of the more common types. Symptoms of a sprain include:
- Bruising or other discoloration of the injured joint
- Pain in the affected joint or surrounding muscles
- Stiffening of the joint
- Swelling at the site of injury
Feeling the Strain
Also called pulled muscles, strains occur when a muscle or tendon – tissue that holds muscle to your bones – stretches or tears. Athletes may experience immediate hamstring or back strains when twisting or pulling to escape defenders. Other pulled muscles develop gradually over time.
Whether your strain comes on quickly or slowly, it can make it difficult to move the affected joint. You may experience spasms, pain and swelling.
Strain Vs. Sprain Home Care
It can be tricky to tell the difference between a strain and sprain. Thankfully, home care for both is the same.
When your joint hurts from one of these common injuries, over-the-counter pain relievers can help with injury management. You should also remember RICE – rest, ice compression and elevation.
- Rest. Give the injured joint a break. Avoid using it as much as possible, so it has time to recover.
- Ice. Place ice in a bag or towel and apply to the injured area, rotating 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling, inflammation and pain.
- Compression. Wrap the affected area with a bandage or other compression device.
- Elevation. Keep the injured area raised above your heart.
Beyond DIY Strain and Sprain Care
Severe strains and sprains may require medical attention. Contact your primary or orthopedic provider or seek emergency care if you experience the following:
- Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Extreme pain and swelling
- Popping sound followed by difficulty using the affected joint
- Pain that continues for several weeks
- Swelling that doesn’t improve within two days after the injury
You should also seek immediate care if you suspect a broken bone. Fortunately, surgery and post-op rehabilitation is rarely needed for sprains and strains. Most cases heal with at-home care, physical therapy, bracing or other treatment.
Have you experienced a sprain or strain? Find a provider at Union Health to get back on your feet or call 812.242.3005.