Sprains and strains are minor injuries to soft tissue in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The difference is that sprains affect ligament tissue, while strains affect muscles or tendons. They are treated with RICE in the first 48 hours and heat and gentle massage after. Severe injuries may require medical attention.
A sprain and strain are both minor, non-broken bone injuries that affect the soft tissue of muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The difference between a strain and a sprain is that a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon and a sprain has affected ligament tissue. Both occur in joints where ligaments connect bone to bone and tendons connect bone to muscles. They are usually temporary, minor injuries that are treated the same way and heal quickly.
A sprain most often occurs following an embarrassing fall, car accident, or sports injury. It occurs when a joint is suddenly jerked, twisted, pushed, hit, or jerked, such as the impact of a forward or hand fall or a tackle on the field. The sudden movement moves the joint in a way it shouldn’t be flexed, tearing the ligament.
Strains often result from excessive exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive motion, or minor impact. You can get strains in your lower back by lifting a load improperly or in your leg by “twisting” an ankle while running. Strains are colloquially referred to as “ripped” or “pulled” muscles. Knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and knees are usually injured in this way.
Soft tissue injuries have symptoms of redness, swelling, superficial bruising, reduced mobility, and a dull, throbbing pain or sharp cramps. Sprains and strains are best treated in the first 48 hours by RICE, which means rest, ice, compress and elevate. The sprained or stretched area should not be moved, but should be frozen, tautly wrapped and elevated.
After 48 hours, the heat can be used in conjunction with a gentle massage to loosen the surrounding muscles. Hot baths or heating pads are often used to treat strain sprains. Gentle use of the injured area can also begin at this time. If the pain is severe, using an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever or applying a topical pain reliever is often recommended. In extreme injuries, a doctor may take an X-ray of the area to make sure there is no bone damage. A splint or brace might be used to avoid aggravating the sensitive joint. Sometimes, in re-injury, physical rehabilitation strengthens adjacent muscles to prevent re-injury.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
