Strain or Sprain.. What's the difference?

Written by: Taylor Post CAT(C), Certified Athletic Therapist

Most people use the term strain or sprain interchangeably, but they are actually different injuries that affect different structures within the body. While both injuries involve soft issue in and around a joint, a strain specifically refers to damage to muscles or tendons, while a sprain involves ligaments. The symptoms of a sprain and a strain are very similar (pain, swelling, even bruising) - so it’s no wonder they are easy to mix up!

A joint sprain is the overstretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect bone to bone. The main purpose of a ligament is to hold structures together, so an injury to a ligament (sprain) will often result in instability of the joint.

A joint strain is the overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. Tendons mostly connect muscle to bone. Their main function is to move the bone or structure that they attach to. For this reason a strained muscle or tendon often involves weakness.

If you suspect that you have sustained a strain or sprain, the outlook and recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury. A full assessment by an Athletic Therapist will determine any deficits in joint range of motion, function or strength. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible after the injury can only help achieve a faster recovery! 

Be Sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

You might also like:
What is the Meaning of Being Healthy?