Sprains Vs Strains – What’s the Difference?

What’s The Difference: Sprains Vs Strains

Sprains and strains are the two most common injuries that affect the musculoskeletal system. Sparians occur around joints usually affecting the ligaments and joint capsule while strains usually affect the muscles or tendons.Sprains typically happen when a joint is suddenly twisted beyond its normal range of motion, while strains occur when a foot muscle is stretched too far or contracts forcefully.

While sprains are usually caused by an external force such as a fall or collision, strain injuries can be caused by improper lifting techniques as well as repetitive motions such as running on uneven terrain. It’s important to recognize the difference between them so you can properly treat your injury and get back to full health quickly.

Types Of Sprains

Along with healing the injury, it’s important to understand the type of sprain you have so that you can take the next right steps.

Inversion Sprain

One type of sprain that frequently occurs is an inversion sprain. This injury often takes place when the ankle rolls outward, causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to stretch or tear. Athletes are particularly susceptible to this kind of sprain, which can inflict intense pain, particularly right on the injury area and felt immediately.

Eversion Sprain

An eversion sprain happens when the ankle rolls inward, putting pressure on the ligaments on the inner side of the ankle. Pain from this type of sprain is usually most intense in the injured area. Eversion sprains can happen when walking, running, or jumping on uneven terrain, but they can also develop due to an unexpected slip or fall.

Lateral Sprain

A lateral sprain usually involves damage to both parts of the ankle as well as to some small muscles below it as a result of an abrupt twisting motion. Recovery from this type of sprain often takes longer than from other sprains because of the complexity of the injury.

Types Of Strains

Strains, on the other hand, occur when a muscle or tendon is stretched too far and tiny tears begin to form in the tissue. There are two types of strains:

Acute Strains

Acute strains are a type of muscle or tendon injury that happens suddenly and unexpectedly. They occur when the muscle or tendon is stretched too far or undergoes a forceful contraction that causes tiny tears or a complete rupture in the tissue. Acute strains are often the result of sudden movements or blows to the affected area. They can occur during physical activities such as sports or weightlifting, or even during day-to-day tasks like lifting heavy objects.

Chronic Strains

Chronic strains are a less common type of strain injury that occurs over a prolonged period of time. These injuries are characterized by gradual and slow damage to the muscle or tendon due to constant repetition of the same motion. Chronic strains are often caused by overuse of a particular muscle group, leading to microscopic tears in the tendon or muscle fibers. This type of injury can occur in athletes who perform the same activity repeatedly or in individuals who perform repetitive tasks at work such as typing, assembly line work, or construction.

Degree Of Strains And Sprains

The degree of strains and sprains is somewhat categorized similarly as per the severity of the injury. Each degree has its own type of treatment, which could be sped up based on the treatment provided and followed accordingly.

Mild (1)

A mild degree of sprain or strain is a type of injury that involves a slight stretching of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. This injury is characterized by mild pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area, which can be alleviated with rest and ice therapy. Mild sprains can usually heal fully within a week or two, as long as proper care is taken during the recovery process.

Moderate (2)

A moderate degree of sprain or strain involves a mix of stretching and tearing of the muscle, tendon, or ligament. This type of injury is more severe than a mild sprain or strain and can take several months to fully recover from. Moderate sprains or strains are usually accompanied by more intense pain, swelling, and bruising in the area of the injury.

Severe (3)

When it comes to sprains and strains, a severe injury is the most serious type that can occur. At this level, the muscle, tendon, or ligament is completely torn, which can be very painful and make it hard to move. Recovery from a severe sprain or strain can take a considerable amount of time, with some cases taking as long as 6 to 12 months to fully heal.

Symptoms Of Strains And Sprains

The symptoms of strains and sprains are generally similar. The intensity may vary depending on the severity of the injury, but may include:

  • Pain in the affected area
  • Redness or discoloration of the skin
  • Difficulty moving the joint or muscle
  • Bruising in the area of the injury
  • Loss of strength or mobility in that area.

In more severe cases, there may also be a popping sound when the injury occurs, and symptoms may include muscle spasms and difficulty bearing weight on the affected area. If the injury has similar symptoms to these two but is causing immense pain and swelling, it can also be a fracture, which requires immediate medical attention.

Causes of Strains and Sprains

Strains and sprains can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper form while exercising, overuse of a particular muscle or joint, direct contact with or trauma to the area, and sudden movements such as turns or jerks. In some cases, a severe condition such as arthritis may also contribute to the injury. Listen to your body’s pain or discomfort that you experience in order to prevent future injury.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for sprains and strains include a lack of flexibility in ligaments and muscles, fatigue from overexertion, poor form while doing physical activities, and contact sports. Additionally, age can play a role, as the elderly have weaker bones and are more at risk of falls or missteps, which can lead to sprains. Other factors such as obesity, smoking, and dehydration may also increase the risk of sprains and strains.

Treatments

Both sprains and strains are dealt with by common methods of treatment that result in effective recovery.

RICE

If you are suffering from a sprain or strain, the RICE method is highly recommended by healthcare professionals.

  • Resting the affected area is important to give the muscles, tendons, and ligaments time to heal. This means avoiding any activities that put stress on the injured area.
  • Applying ice to the injury can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. Ice should be applied for 20 minutes, several times a day, for the first few days after the injury. Use a towel or cloth to wrap the ice pack to avoid direct contact with the skin.
  • Compression also helps reduce swelling and can be done using elastic bandages or wraps. Not to wrap the area too tightly, as this can affect circulation and cause more damage. Compression should be applied throughout the day but removed before sleeping.
  • Elevating the affected area can help to decrease swelling and improve blood flow. For example, if you have sprained your ankle, prop your foot up on a pillow while lying down.

Physical Therapy

In addition to the RICE method, physical therapy is often recommended for people who have suffered from strains and sprains. This type of therapy can increase strength, flexibility, and range of motion, making it one of the most effective forms of recovery for many patients.

Most of the time, a trained professional who knows how to work with injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments gives physical therapy. Using a combination of exercises, stretches, and massage, a physical therapist can help relieve pain, reduce swelling, and get the affected area back to normal function.

Medication

In addition to the RICE method and physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications may also be used to provide relief from the pain and inflammation associated with sprains and strains. These medications work by reducing the body’s inflammatory response, which in turn helps to alleviate pain, redness, and swelling in the affected area.

In more severe cases, prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary. These medications are typically prescribed by a healthcare provider and may include corticosteroids or other medications that can help lower inflammation and pain.

Bracing and casting

If the strain of Sprain is significant, immobiliation for a period of time may be required to allow the tissue fibers to heal without the burden of stress or movement about the area. Immobilization can occur with a simple ankle brace or if severe a below the knee cast for 2-6 weeks. If that does not reveal symptoms, then surgical intervention may be required.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary for severe sprains and strains. Surgery is usually only suggested in cases where the injury fails to heal after other forms of treatment have been attempted. Depending on the severity, a healthcare provider may recommend arthroscopic or open surgery.

Prevention

The best way to prevent sprains and strains is to stay active and practice proper form while exercising or playing sports. Stretching before and after activities can also help increase flexibility and reduce the risk of injuries like sprains and strains. Protective gear is also important to wear during contact sports and other high-impact activities to avoid getting hurt. Additionally, making sure to stay hydrated and get adequate rest can help reduce the risk of sprains and strains.

Be aware of any pain or discomfort in your muscles, joints, or tendons and take steps to address it before it leads to a more serious injury. Taking the time to properly care for an injury and seek medical attention if needed can help ensure a safe and speedy recovery.

Get The Best Treatment & Care With Northern Ankle Foot

At Northern Ankle Foot, we offer comprehensive treatments for sprains and strains. Our experienced podiatrists are dedicated to helping you get back to full health as quickly and as safely as possible. We provide personalized care that is tailored to your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome. Contact us today to make an appointment and learn how we can help get you back on your feet!