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What are Sprains and Strains?

Sprains and strains are injuries to the soft tissues in and around the joint. While they may seem interchangeable, there is a key difference between them: the type of soft tissue affected by the injury.

A sprain is the tearing or overstretching of the ligaments, the tissue that connects two bones together in a joint.

A strain is the tearing or overstretching of the muscles or tendons. Tendons are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Symptoms of Sprains and Strains

The symptoms of sprains and strains are very similar. Both commonly involve:

  • Pain around the joint
  • Swelling
  • Limited flexibility
  • Difficulty using the joint’s full range of motion

The key difference is that a sprain may result in bruising around the joint, while a strain may cause muscle spasms.

The most common joints that are affected by sprains and strains include the:

  • Knee
  • Ankle
  • Back
  • Wrist
  • Thumb
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Common Causes of Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are very common, but there are certain situations where they are more likely to occur, including:

  • During exercise or while playing a sport
  • During an accident such as while slipping or falling
  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Repetitive motion for a prolonged period
  • Overexertion

The following risk factors can increase your likelihood of sustaining a sprain or strain:

  • Not warming up properly before exerting yourself
  • Engaging in activity or exercise while you’re tired
  • Environmental conditions that could lead to slips, trips or falls resulting in accidental injury
  • Improper equipment, or equipment that is old and worn out
  • Being physically out of shape
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Treatment for Sprains and Strains

Treatment for mild strains and sprains is often relatively straightforward and can most often be done with at-home remedies.

If you have experienced a mild to moderate strain or sprain, the best course of treatment will likely be to follow the RICE method.

RICE stands for:

  • Rest: Stay off the affected joint to give it time to heal
  • Ice: Applying ice will help to reduce swelling and inflammation. Wrap a thin towel around a bag of ice and apply to the affected area for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. Repeat as often as you can for the first 24 – 48 hours following the injury. Remember: Never apply ice directly to your skin
  • Compression: Applying compression will help to reduce any swelling. To do so, wrap the injured joint with a bandage or tape. Never wrap the area too tightly or it can affect the blood supply.
  • Elevation: Keep the affected joint elevated above your heart to help reduce swelling. Keep the joint elevated as much as possible for the first 24 – 48 hours. If your knee or ankle is affected, this may mean you need to stay in bed or on the couch for up to two days after injury.

If you are experiencing pain, you can also take medication to help manage it. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are most often recommended for mild to moderate strains and sprains.

You may need to seek medical attention if your strain or sprain is more severe. Call a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty walking or standing without pain
  • Inability to move or flex the joint
  • Numbness or tingling around the joint

 

These symptoms may indicate a torn ligament, tendon or muscle which may require surgery to repair.

Preventing Strains and Sprains

Prevention is the best medicine. While it may not always be possible to prevent a sprain or strain, there are certain precautions that you can take to help prevent an injury from occurring.

  • Stretch: Cold muscles are more likely to be injured so always stretch before engaging in physical activity or exercise
  • Exercise regularly: Maintaining good physical health and mobility will help to keep your muscles flexible and limber, therefore reducing the likelihood of injury
  • Be cautious: Don’t rush if your environment is likely to make your work or activity more dangerous, such as on an icy or rainy day.
  • Take breaks: Give your muscles, ligaments and tendons time to rest, particularly during long periods of repetitive motion
  • Maintain good equipment: Ill-fitting, worn out or poorly made equipment won’t provide the proper support for your joints and can lead to injury.

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