Sprains and Strains
Introduction
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another. They help to stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement. Sprains are frequently caused by rapid changes in direction or by a collision. Common locations for sprains are your ankles, wrists and knees.
A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle. This type of injury often occurs when muscles suddenly and powerfully contract — or when a muscle stretches unusually far. This is called an acute strain. But overuse of certain muscles over time can lead to a chronic strain. People commonly call muscle strains "pulled" muscles. Hamstring and back injuries are among the most common strains.
When you overdo it physically, you may experience sudden pain and swelling around a joint or a muscle. This may occur when you stretch too far, change direction or slow down abruptly, land awkwardly, or collide with another player during a sporting event. The injury you have may be a sprain or a strain.
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury. Many times, self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications are all that you'll need.
Signs and Symptoms
Sprains and strains vary in severity. Signs and symptoms depend on the severity of the injury.
Sprains
Sprains can cause rapid swelling. Generally, the greater the pain and swelling, the more severe the injury.
- Mild. Your ligament stretches excessively or tears slightly. The area is somewhat painful, especially with movement. It's tender. There's not a lot of swelling. You can put weight on the joint.
- Moderate. The fibers in your ligament tear, but they don't rupture completely. The joint is tender, painful and difficult to move. The area is swollen and may be discolored from bleeding in the area. You may feel unsteady when you try to bear weight on your leg.
- Severe. One or more ligaments tear completely. The area is painful. You can't move your joint normally or put weight on it. If you try to walk, your leg feels as if it will give way. The joint becomes very swollen and also can be discolored. The injury may be difficult to distinguish from a fracture or dislocation, which requires medical care. You may need a brace to stabilize the joint or surgical repair in certain ligament injuries.
Strains
Depending on the severity of the strain, signs and symptoms may include:
- Mild. Pain and stiffness that occur with movement and may last a few days.
- Moderate. Partial muscle tears result in more extensive pain, swelling and bruising. The pain may last one to three weeks.
- Severe. The muscle is torn apart or ruptured. You may have significant bleeding, swelling and bruising around the muscle. Your muscle may not function at all, and you may need surgical repair if the muscle has torn away completely from the bone.
Causes
Sprains and strains occur commonly, and most result in minor injuries.
A muscle becomes strained or pulled — or may even tear — when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. This type of injury — an acute strain — often occurs when muscles suddenly and powerfully contract. A muscle strain may occur when you slip on ice, run, jump, throw, lift a heavy object or lift in an awkward position. A chronic strain results from prolonged, repetitive movement of a muscle.
A sprain occurs when you overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint. You may sprain your knee or ankle when walking or exercising on an uneven surface. A sprain also may occur when you land awkwardly, either at the end of a jump or while pivoting during an athletic activity.
Treatment
Treating a sprain or strain depends on the joint involved and the severity of the injury. For mild sprains and strains, your doctor likely will recommend basic self-care measures and an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
In cases of a mild or moderate sprain or strain, apply ice to the area as soon as possible to minimize swelling. In cases of severe sprain or strain, your doctor may immobilize the area with a brace or splint. In some cases, such as in the case of a torn ligament or ruptured muscle, surgery may be considered.
Prevention
Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for your sport, fitness or work activity, as part of an overall physical conditioning program, can help to minimize your risk of sprains and strains. Try to be in shape to play your sport; don't play your sport to get in shape. If you have a physically demanding occupation, regular conditioning can help prevent injuries.
If you're prone to sprains, taping, bracing or wrapping knees, ankles, wrists or elbows can help while you're recovering from injury and when you're first getting back into your regular activities. It's best for many people to regard taping, bracing and wrapping as short-term protective measures. You can protect your joints in the long term by working to strengthen and condition the muscles around the joint that has been injured. The best brace you can give yourself is your own "muscle brace." Ask your doctor about appropriate conditioning and stability exercises. Also, use footwear that offers support and protection.
Credit: National Institute of Health.