What Is a Sprain?

A sprain occurs when you injure your ligament, or the tissue connecting your bones at a joint. It’s typically the result of a sudden impact that forces your joint out of its normal range, such as by twisting your ankle or the hard impact of a sudden fall. Sprains most often affect ankles, wrists and knees. If it’s a grade one sprain, the ligament is stretched but not torn and will only result in minor pain and swelling. If it’s a grade two sprain, your ligament is partially torn, leading to bruising as well as pain and swelling. The worst sprain you can get, grade three, is when your ligament is completely torn, resulting in substantial pain and joint instability.

What Is a Strain?

A strain affects the tendons, or the tissue connecting your muscles to your bones, usually resulting as a consequence of overstretching or overusing a muscle such as by heavy lifting. This type of injury usually occurs in the lower back, hamstrings and shoulders. Strains can range from minor tearing and overstretching, causing mild pain and swelling, to significant tearing. Severe strains may lead to a complete rupture of the muscle or tendon that can render the affected muscle unusable.

When and How to Diagnose

In some cases, a sprain or strain may not require medical attention, healing with only minimal stretching and rest. However, if the area feels tender or numb, is difficult to move normally, has visible differences beyond simple bruising (e.g., crooked or odd bumps) or if you’re experiencing significant pain, then you should promptly seek medical attention.

To diagnose sprains and strains, a primary care physician will conduct a physical examination to test your range of motion, your joint’s stability and the tenderness of your ligaments. For sprains specifically, you may be experiencing muscle weakness or spasms, which your doctor will watch out for. They may also order an X-ray to ensure the bone wasn’t fractured, as well as an MRI or ultrasound to assess the extent of the ligament or muscle damage.

How to Treat a Strain or Sprain

For both strains and sprains, the primary treatment method is physical therapy, barring the injury isn’t too severe. Gradually exercising your ligaments and muscles is often essential to restoring their strength and improving their range of motion so they can return to normal function swiftly.

Sometimes you may be prescribed over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain and inflammation, but this isn’t common. If your injury is severe, such as if the ligament or muscle has been critically torn, you’ll likely require surgery, such as ligament reconstruction or tendon repair. After surgery, you’ll usually be recommended for more intensive physical therapy to help restore normal function to the impacted area.

Risk Factors and Mitigation

There are several risk factors for sprains and strains. Weak muscles and poor flexibility can make you more susceptible to tears, especially if you’re on an uneven surface or using unsupportive footwear that lacks the necessary traction to prevent falls. Having previous injuries also heightens your risk of ligament injuries and can make muscles more vulnerable to future damage.

That said, there are numerous ways you can reduce your risk of a sprain or strain. Warming up before exercising to prepare your muscles and ligaments, implementing regular strength training and stretching exercises to build muscle resilience and wearing appropriate protective gear can be highly effective in lowering your chances of developing a sprain or strain.