Sprains and Strains  

Sprains and strains are probably the most common injuries. Although often used interchangeably in everyday usage and while similar in some respects, these injuries are actually different.

Sprains

A sprain is an injury wherein there is stretching or tearing of a ligament, that is the tissue that connects bone to bone. A severely damaged ligament cause instability in a joint. Symptoms include pain, inflammation, and in some cases, the inability to move a limb. Sprains typically occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, such as turning an ankle.

Strains

A strain is an injury wherein there is stretching or tearing of a muscle ur tendon, that is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. An acute (instant or recent) strain occurs at the junction where the muscle is becoming a tendon. These strains take place when a muscle is stretched and suddenly contracts, often while running or jumping, such as runners who strain their hamstrings. Many times the injury will occur suddenly while the runner is in full stride. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasm, loss of strength, and limited range of motion. Chronic (long-lasting) strains are injuries that gradually build up from overuse or repetitive stress, resulting in tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon).

Severity

• Grade I Injuries - mild with some stretching or minor tearing or minor tearing of the ligament, tendon or muscle.
• Grade II Injuries - moderate and involve a ligament, tendon or muscle that is partially torn but still intact.
• Grade III Injuries - severe with one or more ligament, tendon or muscle which is completely torn and results in joint instability.

Treatments

• Grade I injuries usually heal quickly with protection from additional injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (PRICE). Therapeutic exercise can also help restore strength and flexibility.
• Grade II injuries are treated similarly but may require immobilization of the injured area to permit healing.
• Grade III sprains and strains usually require immobilization and possibly surgery to restore function.
• The key to recovery is an early evaluation by a medical professional. Once the injury has been determined, a treatment plan can be developed. With proper care, most sprains and strains will heal without long-term side effects.
• An ankle taping guide may be found at our section on Ankles.
• In both Grade I and Grade II injuries periarticular hyaluronic acid injections have been found to decrease the recovery time associated with such injuries. (For more information see the video to the right, and/or the SportVis manufacturer's site.)