Muscle Strain/Sprain

At one time or another, most people experience a muscle strain or sprain. Strains and sprains can happen in many areas of the body. The level of pain you experience can range from mild discomfort to excruciating, debilitating pain.

Muscle Strain: A Definition

The tendons in your body are made up of fibrous cords of tissue. These tendons connect muscles to your bones. When one or more of your muscles or tendons is over extended or torn, you can get a strain. Most people experience strains in the lower back or in the hamstring muscle behind the thigh.

Muscle Sprain: A Definition

Sprains are similar to strains because they are also caused by extreme stretching or tearing of a ligament accompanied by excessive joint stress. Sprains happen in the ligaments, which consist of strong bands of fibrous tissue. These ligaments connect the bones in each of your joints. Ankles and wrists are among the most common areas for sprains.

Causes of Strains

It’s helpful to understand that there are two kinds of strains. A sudden or excessive muscle pull, strain or tear can cause an acute strain. You can get an acute strain from heavy or awkward lifting, running, jumping, slipping or throwing.

Repetitive movements over long periods of time can create a chronic strain. Work-related injuries are a frequent cause of chronic strains. A chronic sports strain is especially common in tennis players and golfers.

Cause of Sprains

Sprains happen in multiple ways. Heavy lifting, overexertion at work or sports, falls, twisting motions, walking or running on uneven surfaces—each of these actions can cause a sprain. Anytime you overextend or tear a ligament while at the same time putting excessive stress on your joints, a sprain can occur.

Symptoms

Generally, the symptoms of a strain include pain, swelling, limited mobility and muscle spasms. Common sprain symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising and lack of mobility in the affected area. You may also feel or hear a slight popping sensation in the joint during an injury.
 
Is it Serious?

Strains and sprains are a fact of life for many active adults. Most can be treated at home, using simple remedies. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have a more serious injury and should consult a physician:

• You feel extreme pain when walking more than a short distance
• You can’t move the injured joint
• The injured area feels numb
• You see red streaks or redness spreading out from your injury

Treatments for Strains and Sprains

The best way to treat strains and sprains depends on the severity of your injury and which joint is affected. Applying ice to an injury as soon as possible helps minimize swelling and discomfort in mild to moderate strains and sprains. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen helps alleviate pain and reduces inflammation.

If the injury is severe, your physician may use a splint or brace to immobilize the area and prevent further injury. Surgery is sometimes an option, in the case of a ruptured muscle or torn ligament.