Differences Between Sprains and Strains

Sprains and Strains Are Two Separate Injuries

Contrary to common belief, as they are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between strains and sprains. While the words sound very similar, they are different injuries and have very different implications if you experience them. The two words are often used to describe when a muscle is hurting or there is a restriction in movement, but there are some key differences so you may know how to differentiate them.

What is a Sprain?

A sprain occurs when there is an injury to the band of tissue that connects two bones together. This is the pulling or tear of a ligament.

A sprain is caused by either a direct or indirect trauma which results in the joint being knocked out of position, tearing the ligament that connects the two muscles and holds the joint in place. Sprains can occur from falling or twisting the joint.

The most common sprains include:

• Ankle sprain
• Knee sprain
• Wrist sprain

As you might notice, these are all joints that connect two bones together.

Symptoms can include:

• bruising
• pain around the affected joint
• swelling
• limited flexibility
• difficulty using the joint’s full range of motion

What is a Strain?

A strain, on the other hand, is an injury to a muscle or band of tissue that connects a muscle to the bone. In many ways, a strain to a muscle is like a sprain to a ligament. Strains often occur from a powerful contraction of the muscle or over-stretching it.

Muscles that are commonly affected include:

• Hamstring
• Quadricep
• Achilles
• Calf
• Groin

While the symptoms of a strain are very similar, because it occurs to the muscle you will likely feel a muscle spasm in the targeted area.

Common symptoms include:

• muscle spasm
• pain in the affected muscle
• swelling
• limited flexibility
• difficulty using a muscle’s full range of motion

What can put me at risk of sprains and strains?

Anyone can experience a sprain or strain at any time, and you are not to blame if you do experience one. There are some factors, however, that may increase your risk.

• Stretching helps to keep your muscles loose and flexible and helps to increase your range of motion.
• Inappropriate footwear can result in you walking incorrectly and losing balance, causing you to fall over. This increases the risk of a strain or sprain, particularly in your ankle.
• Not warming up properly can cause the muscles or ligaments to remain tight, which can cause a sprain if you use the muscles. For example, sprinting requires you to expand and contract the muscle quickly, which can cause a strain.
• Over-exercising can lead to fatigue in the muscle, causing you to not carry yourself properly, and increasing the chance of injury.
• Most sports require you to stop and start running frequently, which applies pressure to your muscles and ligaments. You are more likely to suffer a sprain or strain if you are constantly active.

What treatments are useful for sprains and strains?

Treatments will differ from person to person. It is important to consult a health professional and get the correct health information before undertaking any treatments.

Some typical treatments include:

• Gentle exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist, this may include a targeted rehabilitation programme.
• Dry needling, soft-tissue massage, and joint mobility techniques.
• The gradual integration of physical activity back into your everyday routine

The outcomes of physiotherapy treatment include:

• Pain relief through joint mobility techniques, soft tissue massage, and dry needling.
• Prevention of abnormal scar tissue formation, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness.
• Improving scar tissue quality using techniques to guide the direction it forms; scar tissue can impede movement and healing.
• Loosening or strengthening of the injured region with individually prescribed exercises and techniques.
• Improving performance when the client returns to sport, work, or simply daily life, as well as the reduction of pain associated with return to previous activities.
• Correct any biomechanical imbalances that are affecting your movement and technique during activity and daily life or predisposing you to injury.

Full recovery after a strain or sprain and the amount of rehabilitation needed are dependent on how severe the injury was and the rate at which you heal, which can differ from individual to individual. For example, a moderate ankle sprain may require 3 to 6 weeks of rehabilitation before a person can return to full activity. A severe sprain can take 8 to 12 months before the ligament is fully healed. Extra care should be taken to avoid re-injury.

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