Sprains and strains - what's the difference? Did you sprain your ankle or strain your ankle? Is there any difference in treatment?
Sprain
A sprain is an injury in which you stretch or tear a ligament. A ligament is a piece of connector tissue that connects bones to a joint.
Sprains can be minor, in which case tearing is only partial or the ligament was only over-stretched; they also can be serious, in which case a ligament is torn completely. If several ligaments are torn or stretched too much, the sprain can be quite debilitating.
Strain
A strain is an injury to a muscle or a tendon, which is a piece of connector tissue that connects a muscle or group of muscles to a bone. Strains can be minor, where the muscle or tendon is simply over-stretched or partially torn, or quite serious because the muscle or tendon is actually torn.
Strain and Sprain Treatment
Treatment for sprains and strains is the same. You will want to make sure you immobilize the injured part initially, then elevate that body part, ice it to reduce swelling and take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen or Aleve. Fish oil caplets are believed to also have an anti-inflammatory effect on injured body parts, so you might want to take this harmless supplement as well.
If the strain or sprain is serious, you will want to see a doctor for an evaluation. Your doctor may immobilize the body part with a traditional cast, an air cast or a bandage wrap or sling so the injured ligament, tendon or muscle can heal completely. In some cases, surgery is necessary to re-attach the torn ligament or tendon.
After the sprained or strained ligament, muscle or tendon heals, it will be very tight from the immobilization, so you will have to begin a gentle stretching and rehabilitation routine to for stretching purposes. You may want to see a physical therapist to learn stretches and exercises that will strengthen the muscles surrounding the injured body part to protect against future injury.
 | Sprain symptoms will help you determine whether your injury is in fact a sprain. |
 | Knowing how to treat a sprain will help you respond quickly and efficiently when such an injury occurs. |
What is a sprain? While the injury can vary in severity, some key signs of a sprain are consistent across the board. |
Sprained ankle treatment is best remembered by the acronym RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. The sooner you treat your sprained ankle, the better too. |
Foot sprains can be difficult to diagnose, but you can make it easier if you know the common signs of such an injury. |
