We often get confused between strain and sprain, but we must understand the difference between the two. Both the terms mainly refer to damage caused to the soft tissues of our body like the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Though the injuries are common, they affect the different parts of our bodies.
In case you have hurt your ankle, there are chances that you might have got a sprain or strain. A board-certified podiatrist at Precision Footcare is the best for these sprains and strains in New York. He does the best diagnosis and treatment to get rid of these problems.
What are a strain and a sprain?
A sprain happens when the ligaments get stretched, torn, or twisted. Ligaments are the ones located at the joints. The most common sprained areas include ankles, wrists, knees, and thumbs.
A strain happens when a muscle gets stretched, torn, or twisted. A tendon is a tough cord made of fibrous tissue that connects the muscles to the bones. Mostly the strains can affect areas like the feet, legs, knees, and back.
Symptoms of strain and sprain:
The most common symptoms of strain and sprain include pain, swelling, bruising. Other than that, the difference in their symptoms include:
Sprain:
- Limited movement at the joint area
- Unable to move or put weight on that joint
- A kind of popping sound during the time of injury
Strain
- Muscle spasms or cramping
- Weakness in muscles
- Limited movement in that particular area
Causes
The most common causes of sprains include falling, twisting, and facing sudden trauma to the joints. This type of injury can lead to the joints moving out of their normal range of movement.
The most common causes of strains are also the same, but they might occur suddenly or may develop with time, like running, jumping, falling, or lifting a heavy object.
Treatment
The very normal treatment for both injuries includes the technique named RICE i.e.
- Relax or rest till the affected joint heals itself
- Ice to be used for swelling and inflammation
- Compression can help reduce swelling with the help of a bandage or trainer’s tape
- Elevation to keep the affected joint above the level of your heart. This method will also reduce swelling.
You need to give yourself 24 hours to 48 hours with this technique so that it heals itself. If not, you might be suggested some option by your doctor, and very rarely, it can be surgery to repair the damaged ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
