Do you know the difference between a Sprain and a Strain? Unfortunately in the medical world we tend to use these words interchangeably but they are not interchangeable. It can sound really scary if you go to the doctor and you say I have injured my knee and they tell you you have a grade 3 knee Sprain. Let’s learn little bit about sprain and strain.
Whether we’re talking about sprain and strain usually what we’re talking about is a very microscopic level you have tore either your muscle fibers or ligament fibers. Sprain and Stain, both are among the most common injuries in sports and the biggest difference between them is the soft tissue that is affected. A sprain is an injury of ligament which connect the bones to each other and a Strain is an injury of muscle or tendon.
These heal often the more severe the injury and take a little bit longer to heal but it will heal typically within three to six months of you’ve had a pretty significant Sprain or Strain
Sprain:-
A sprain is a stretch and tear of a ligament (the fibrous band of connective tissue that joins the end of one bone with another). Ligaments are like rubber bands that create stability and support between all the body joints.
Types of Sprain:-
1). A severe sprain produces excruciating pain at the time of injury. The ligament tear completely or separate from the bone. This loosening makes the joint non-functional.
2). A Moderate sprain means partial tears of the ligament, producing joint instability and swelling.
3). A ligament is stretched in a mild sprain, but there is no joint loosening.
Signs of Sprain:-
The individual will usually feel a tear and pop in the affected joint. Pain, Bruising, Swelling, Inflammation and difficulty in weight wearing are common to all three categories of Sprain (Mild, Moderate and Severe).
Strain:-
A strain is an injury of muscle or tendon (the fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone). Tendon transmits the mechanical force of muscle contraction to the bones and serve to move the bone.
Types of Strain:-
1). In Severe strain(Grade 3), the muscle or tendon is partially or completely ruptured.
2). Some muscle function will be lost with a Moderate strain(Grade 2), where the tendon is overstretched & slightly tear.
3). With a Mild strain(Grade 1), the tendon is stretched or pulled slightly.
Signs of Strain:-
Typical indications include Pain, Swelling, Muscle Spasm, Muscle Weakness, Inflammation and Cramping.
Treatment of Sprain and Strain:-
Treatment for both injuries is the same. Physiotherapy is very helpful in these injuries. If you are facing any these injury then follow the below written steps to get relief from pain.
Grade 1 – injuries usually heal quickly with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). Therapeutic exercises can also help to restore strength and flexibility.
Grade 2 – Injuries are treated similarly but may require immobilization of the injured area to permit healing.
Grade 3 – Usually required immobilization and possibly surgery to restore function.