Is it a sprain, strain or tear? Learn how to tell
It’s common to sprain or strain different parts of your body from sudden movements or overuse.
Carol Chang, DO, is a sports medicine orthopedist at Salem Health Orthopedics. Dr. Chang said sprains, strains and tears can happen through physical activities like work or sport.
Ligament vs. muscle injuries
“Sprains and strains can be thought of similarly as they are both stretch injuries, although they differ in the type of tissue affected,” she said. “Sprains affect the ligaments and strains affect the muscle or tendon. Ligaments are supportive structures that attach bone to bone, while tendons are supportive structures that attach muscle to bone.”
Dr. Chang said she sees a range of severity in these injuries, from overstretching the tissue to tissue tears and a full rupture of the tissues.
Causes and symptoms
How do you know if you have a sprain or strain?
“Signs and symptoms of sprains and strains are similar and can include pain, bruising, swelling, limited range of motion and difficulty bearing weight through the affected area,” she said. “More severe injuries typically have increased pain and disability.”
Ankle sprains are the most common type of sprains she sees.
“This typically occurs with twisting your ankle outward, causing a stretch to the ligaments on the outside,” Dr. Chang said. “Knee sprains are common in athletes, and you may hear of high-level athletes tearing their anterior cruciate ligament (or ACL), which is usually a season ending injury.”
Common areas of strain include the back, hamstring, calf and shoulder.
Prevention and recovery
“Proper warm-up and targeted strengthening exercises are ways to prevent sprains and strains,” Dr. Chang said.
The orthopedist also recommends wearing protective gear in the workplace or during sports to prevent accidental injury.
Treatment for minor sprains and strains include rest, activity modification, RICE therapy and over the counter pain medications.
“More severe injury treatments could include immobilization, cortisone injections or surgery,” Dr. Chang said. “If there are pain and disability that are not improving, an orthopedist should be consulted to help with diagnosis and facilitate a comprehensive rehabilitation and treatment plan.”
Orthopedic care
Are you recovering from a strain, sprain or tear? Learn more about: