What are sprains and strains?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint). When a sprain happens, one or more ligaments is stretched or torn.
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon (fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone). In a strain, a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn.
What causes sprains and strains? Many things can cause a sprain. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can force your joint out of its normal position. This can ligaments around your joint to stretch or tear. Sprains usually happen when you:
Fall and land on an arm.
Fall on the side of their foot.
Twist a knee.
A strain happens when you twist or pull a muscle or tendon. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over days or weeks. A sudden or acute strain is caused by:
A recent injury. Lifting heavy objects the wrong way. Overstressing the muscles. Chronic strains usually happen when you move the muscles and tendons the same way over and over.
What are the symptoms of sprains and strains?
Pain.
Swelling.
Bruising.
Not being able to use the joint.
In addition to pain, the symptoms of a strain include:
Muscle spasms.
Swelling.
Cramping.
Trouble moving.
If you tear a muscle or tendon completely, it is very painful and hard to move.
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