In our day to day conversations,
we interchangeably use sprain and strain but technically speaking these are two
different terms. Most of us believe that sprain and strain are same because
many of their symptoms are same. So let us see how are they different?
“Sprain”
It is an injury to a ligament (a tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bone). Ligament injuries involve a stretching or tearing of this tissue.
Cause:-
They usually result from traumas like a fall or external force that displaces the surrounding joint from its normal alignment.
Symptoms:-
The most common symptoms of sprain are pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move, bear weight on the joint.
Sprain Severity
· Grade I Sprain:
- A grade I (mild) sprain causes overstretching or slight tearing of the ligaments with no joint instability.
- A person with a mild sprain usually experiences minimal pain, swelling, and little or no loss of functional ability. Bruising is absent or slight, and the person is usually able to put weight on the affected joint.
· Grade II Sprain:
- A grade II (moderate) sprain causes partial tearing of the ligament.
- It is characterized by bruising, moderate pain, and swelling. A person with a moderate sprain usually has some difficulty putting weight on the affected joint and experiences some loss of function. An x-ray or MRI may be needed.
· Grade III Sprain:
- A grade III (severe) sprain results in a complete tear or rupture of a ligament.
- Pain, swelling, and bruising are usually severe, and the patient is unable to put weight on the joint.
- An x-ray is usually taken to rule out a broken bone. This type of a muscle sprain often requires immobilization and possibly surgery. It can also increase the risk of an athlete having future muscles sprains in that area.
The best way to treat a sprain is to use an ice pack. Putting some ice on the joint will reduce pain and swelling and you can also compress the sprain with a compression bandage.
This was sprain; now let’s talk about strain.
Strain
Strain in an injury to a tendon (the tissue that connects muscles to bones) or to muscle fibers. A strain may be a simple overstretch of tendon or it can result in partial or complete tear. Patients typically have pain in the injuries and general weakness of the muscle when they attempt to move it.
Cause:-
They usually result from over stretching or over contraction.
Symptoms:-
Typical symptoms of strain are pain, weakness and muscle spasm.
Strain Severity
Strains are categorized in a similar manner to sprains:
· Grade I Strain:
- This is a mild strain and only some muscle fibers have been damaged.
- Healing occurs within 2 to 3 weeks.
· Grade II Strain:
- This is a moderate strain with more extensive damage to muscle fibers, but the muscle is not completely ruptured.
- Healing occurs within 3 to 6 weeks.
· Grade III Strain:
- This is a severe injury with a complete rupture of a muscle.
- This typically requires a surgical repair of the muscle; the healing period can be up to 3 months.
Treatments for sprains and strains are the same. To reduce swelling and pain in the first day or two, doctors usually say to adopt RICE strategy:-
· Rest the injured area. If the ankle or knee is hurt, the doctor might tell you to use crutches or a cane.
· Put ice on the injury for 20 minutes at a time. The doctor might say to do this 4 to 8 times a day.
· Compress (squeeze) the injury using special bandages, casts, boots, or splints. Your doctor will tell you which one is best for you and how tight it should be.
· Put the injured ankle, knee, elbow, or wrist up on a pillow to provide elevation.
After treating pain and swelling, doctors usually say to exercise the injured area. This helps to prevent stiffness and increase strength. Some people can also need physical therapy.
Credits- Paras Hemrajani, Shivani Ashra and Mr. Kavinder Saini
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