The Difference Between Sprain and Strain, Here's the Explanation
Although the names look similar and have similar symptoms, strains and sprain are two different things. Sprains are also known as sprains while strains are strained tendons. These two injuries have fundamental differences, namely in their causes and symptoms.
So what are the differences between sprain and strain? Here's the explanation.
1. Causes
The difference between a sprain and a strain is in the cause. A sprain occurs when a ligament is overstretched or torn. Ligaments are strong tissues that connect two bones in your joint.
Sprains can occur in joints such as the ankle, knee, wrist, thumb when subjected to excessive pressure. Some examples are landing on an uneven surface after jumping or falling in a wrist-bearing position.
Meanwhile, strains occur in muscles or tendons (connective tissue that connects muscles to bones). Some examples of movements that can cause strains are trying to lift heavy weights with the wrong posture, sudden movements or performing excessive repetitive movements.
2. Symptoms
Although at first glance they look the same, the difference between a sprain and a strain can also be seen in the symptoms.
Depending on the severity, sprain symptoms may include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Limited movement in the strained area
- Hearing a sound or feeling that something is displaced when the injury occurs
Meanwhile, strain symptoms can include:
- Muscle spasm
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain
- Limited movement
- Muscle weakness
Both injuries can heal in a matter of weeks but it depends on the severity.
How to treat sprain and strain
For the first treatment there is no difference between strains and sprain. You can use the RICE technique (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).
Rest
You must rest the injured body part. You can do this by not moving or using the body part excessively. This will help the recovery process.
Ice
Compress the injured body part with ice. This method is useful to reduce pain and swelling. To do this, prepare ice cubes then wrap them in a towel and then attach them to the affected area for 15-20 minutes. Repeat every 2 - 3 hours. Make sure not to apply the ice directly to the body part. This can actually damage the tissue.
Compression
To reduce pain you can wrap or wrap a bandage around the affected area. Make sure it is not too tight so that it blocks blood flow.
Elevation
To reduce swelling lift the body part, position the injured body part higher than the heart.
How to prevent sprain and strain
Just like treatment, there is not much difference between sprain and strain prevention. Ways to prevent injury are by:
- Warming up and cooling down before and after physical activity.
- Avoid doing repetitive movements for a long time
- Avoid overdoing the activity. Rest when you are tired
- Always be careful in activities and sports
- Increase muscle strength and endurance by doing proper weight training
When should I see a doctor?
Generally, mild sprain and strains do not need to see a doctor as they can recover on their own and are treated at home. However, if within 2 days after the first treatment the complaint does not improve, the swelling increases, the pain is unbearable, numbness, tingling, unable to move the joint, immediately visit a doctor to get the right treatment.
Thank you for reading this article. Have a nice day.
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