11/12/2025
Strains and sprains are common soft tissue injuries, differing by what's affected: a sprain damages ligaments (connecting bone to bone), often inankles/knees, follow for more ✍️ while a strain (pulledmuscle) affects muscles or tendons (connecting muscle to bone), commonin hamstrings/back, both causing pain,swelling, and limited movement fromoverstretching or tearing.
Treatment for mild cases uses RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), but severe injuries need medical attention, potentially involving physical therapy or surgery.
Sprain vs.
Strain: Key Differences
Sprain:
Injury to a ligament (connects bone to bone).
Cause: Joint forced beyond its normal range (e.g., twisting an ankle).
Common Areas: Ankles, knees, wrists.
Strain:
Injury to a muscle or tendon (connects muscle to bone).
Cause: Overstretching, overuse, or strong contraction.
Common Areas: Hamstring, back, calf ("pulled muscle").
Symptoms
Pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising.
Limited movement, inability to bear weight.
Muscle spasms (for strains).
Popping sound at the time of injury (can indicate severe sprain/strain).
Home Treatment (RICE)
R: est: Avoid activities that increase pain.
I: ce: Apply cold pack for ~10 mins at a time to reduce swelling.
C: ompression: Use a bandage to support, not too tight.
E: levation: Raise the injured limb above heart level.
Avoid heat, alcohol, and massage in the first 48-72 hours.
When to See a Doctor
Pain/swelling worsens or doesn't improve.
Can't bear weight or move the joint/muscle.
Numbness, tingling, or deformity.
Fever or chills.
Recovery & Further Care
Mild injuries heal in days to weeks with RICE.
Severe cases might need X-rays (to rule out fracture), MRI, casting, crutches, or physical therapy.
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