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The Difference between Sprains and Strains
from:Sprains and strains are so closely linked in the way that they sound and the way that they are spelt. However, the truth is that they are two quite different and distinct injuries. It is important to understand the difference between the two so that when a doctor says you have a strain or a sprain, you know what they are talking about as well as prescribing to and sticking to the correct treatment. The main difference between the two is that sprains are associated with the joints and the ligaments, whereas strains are associated with the muscle. Therefore the treatment of these two different injuries is going to be quite different because they are not even associated with the same part of the body. Sprains and strains must be diagnosed correctly and then treated properly after the diagnosis.
When a sprain occurs, the person will often think they have broken a bone, but it is just a ligament injury. However, some very severe sprains do involve small broken bones. There is also typically a lot of swelling and immediate pain. Sprains often occur when the joint is twisted in some fashion. Strains on the other hand occur in the muscle. This is when a muscle is stretched too far or has had too much pressure placed on it. Strains most commonly occur during heavy lifting or returning to an athletic activity after a long period of time without warming up. Sprains and strains should be taken somewhat seriously as they are injuries that could result in future problems. However, the sprain is said to be a more serious injury. Sprains typically take between three or four weeks to heal, whereas a strain takes a little less with about a week to heal. Sprains and strains both involve rest and icing of the injured area. In addition, sometimes a doctor will prescribe pain medications and therefore should be taken as directed. Typically sprains are wrapped in a type of compression bandage, but strains often are not. As well, there is typically elevation required with a sprain but not with a strain. Sprains and strains do share the similarity of being sports related injuries as well as child and youth injuries. This is because children and youth are more often involved in several athletic activities. It is also important to remember that sometimes sprains and strains can result in increased likelihood of re-injury of the area and therefore some type of physical therapy can be helpful to strengthen the joint or muscle as well as prevent further injuries.
Sprains News
Banks sprains ankle while training with Klitschko; fight could ... - ESPN
Banks sprains ankle while training with Klitschko; fight could ... ESPN - He wound up spraining the ankle last week with what the doctor diagnosed as a severe sprain," Tom Loeffler of Banks promoter K2 told ESPN.com in an email. ... |
Harvin sprains ankle; questionable for next week - Independent Florida Alligator
Harvin sprains ankle; questionable for next week Independent Florida Alligator, FL - By EVAN DREXLER , Alligator Staff Writer TALLAHASSEE – Lost amid the Gators' 30-point victory against the Seminoles on Saturday might be the most important ... |
Maggette scores 29, sprains left ankle in OT - Rotoworld.com
Maggette scores 29, sprains left ankle in OT Rotoworld.com - Corey Maggette sprained his left ankle in overtime against the Heat on Monday, immediately leaving the game before returning a short time later. ... |
Battie sprains left ankle in Magic win over Indiana - Orlando Sentinel
Battie sprains left ankle in Magic win over Indiana Orlando Sentinel, FL - Just when you thought the Magic's injury woes couldn't get any worse, F/C Tony Battie may have hopped on this recent bad news train. ... |
Lakers rookie Sun Yue sprains foot - Rotoworld.com
Lakers rookie Sun Yue sprains foot Rotoworld.com - Lakers rookie Sun Yue sprained his left foot recently and will undergo medical testing on Monday. Sun was not sure how he injured the foot and he might not ... |
Brian Rolston: Expected Back Thursday - Rotowire
Brian Rolston: Expected Back Thursday Rotowire, CA - High ankle sprains have a tendency to linger if the player comes back too soon, so that is a legitimate concern with Rolston. Monitor his status after ... |
Portis Takes a 'Whale' of a Hit - Washington Post
 Washington Post | Portis Takes a 'Whale' of a Hit Washington Post, United States - Portis's injuries are classified as an assortment of strains and sprains, but those words are commonplaces that don't adequately express the collisions that ... |
Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram - Chronicle-Telegram
Scott Petrak | The Chronicle-Telegram Chronicle-Telegram, OH - High ankle sprains are more severe than normal sprains and can take months to heal. Winslow will be in a boot this week, then see how the ankle progresses. ... |
Baby born 10th June 2008, picture taken September 2008 - The Sun
 The Sun | Baby born 10th June 2008, picture taken September 2008 The Sun, UK - “Pregnancy hormones can make the ligaments extra loose during pregnancy, meaning that for 3 to 4 months, new mums are at risk of sprains or muscle damage if ... |
Texas Longhorns center Chris Hall sprains knee, won't play vs ... - ESPN
Texas Longhorns center Chris Hall sprains knee, won't play vs ... ESPN - AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas junior center Chris Hall will miss Saturday's game at Kansas after spraining his left knee in practice. Trainer Kenny Boyd says Hall ... |