What’s The Difference?

A sprain is a stretching or tearing injury to a ligament. Ligaments are the tough, elastic-like bands of tissue that hold one bone to another and stabilize our joints. One or more ligaments can be injured during a sprain. The most commonly sprained areas of the body are the ankle and wrist, often caused by rapid changes of direction or a collision.

A strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or a tendon. Often called a pulled muscle, this injury can be a simple overstretch or can result in partial or complete tearing of muscle fibers. A strain often occurs when muscles suddenly and powerfully contract, or when a muscle stretches unusually far.

Treatment

Five key treatment factors worth remembering when soothing a sprain or strain anywhere in the body are:

Ice

The injured area should be iced immediately after injury and then three to four times a day for 15-30 minute periods as long as swelling persists. Always place a wet cloth barrier between skin and ice pack to prevent burning of the skin.

Rest

Crutches, immobilizers, splints, and ace bandages are used to provide rest to the injured area. It is best to “stay off” the injured part as much as possible. If crutches are used, there should be no weight bearing for 2-3 days, depending on severity of the injury.

The amount of weight bearing should be gradually increased daily. Weight bearing can begin as pain and swelling permit or if recommended by your clinician.

Immobilizers and crutches should be used until pain in the area has subsided. Elastic wraps and splints can be used for support during initial treatment or for a week or two after crutches and immobilizers are discontinued. These devices can be used any time thereafter for any physical activity.

Any significant sprain should be immobilized for at least a few days to allow healing to begin.

Elevation

The injured part should be raised higher than the heart whenever practical for as long as swelling persists. This helps to drain swelling from the affected area back toward the circulatory system. Elastic wraps also help to perform this function by compressing swelling back toward the circulatory system for reabsorption.

Ace wraps should always be applied starting at the most distant part of the extremity and wrapped toward the heart snugly, not tightly. If the bandage causes the extremity to tingle or burn and/or become blue or red, it is too tight and must be rewrapped more loosely.

Medication

Medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Nuprin) are used to relieve inflammation as well as pain. To get the most from these medicines, take them exactly as written on your medication bottle. Sometimes these medications can cause stomach upset, so take the medication with food or meals.

For any strain or sprain in other body areas, ice, elevation and rest are the best initial treatments. If pain or swelling persists in an injured area or joint, especially one that has not been x-rayed, you should return to Sindecuse Health Center for a recheck.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.

Symtoms of a sprain may include:

Symptoms of a strain may include:

Prevention

There are many things a person can do to minimize the risk of a sprain or strain injury.