A sprain involves damage to ligaments, while a strain involves damage to muscles or tendons.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Sprains
- Definition: A sprain is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other at a joint.
- Cause: Sprains occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, stretching or tearing the ligaments.
- Common Locations: Ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers.
- Symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Limited range of motion
- Instability of the joint
Strains
- Definition: A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones.
- Cause: Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, often due to overuse or sudden injury.
- Common Locations: Back, hamstrings (back of the thigh), and groin.
- Symptoms:
- Pain
- Muscle spasms
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Weakness
Summary Table
| Feature | Sprain | Strain |
|---|---|---|
| Injured Tissue | Ligament | Muscle or Tendon |
| Cause | Overstretching/tearing ligament | Overstretching/tearing muscle/tendon |
| Common Sites | Ankles, Knees, Wrists | Back, Hamstrings, Groin |
In essence, remember that sprains affect ligaments (connecting bone to bone), while strains affect muscles and tendons (connecting muscle to bone).
