Strain vs. Sprain

Although these two words are often used interchangeably, they are different types of injuries.
Strain occurs when a muscle or tendon stretches too much. It's common for people to strain the muscles in their backs, necks, or legs.
Bones meet at joints, such as elbows, knees, or shoulders. That's where your body bends and rotates. Strong, elastic bands of tissue, called ligaments , hold bones together in the joints. A sprain happens when ligaments are overstretched (mild sprain) or torn (severe sprain). Ankles, wrists, and knees sprain easily.

How Is a Strain Different From a Sprain?

Even though both can hurt a lot, strains are not as serious as sprains. Because a strain is pain in the muscle, it may start to hurt immediately or several hours later. The area will be tender and swollen and may also appear bruised.A sprain will probably start to hurt right away. Usually the injury will swell and look bruised, it may be hard to walk or move the injured part, and you may even think you have broken a bone.

How Does a Strain or Sprain Happen?

Strains often happen when you put a lot of pressure on a muscle or tendon and or you push it too far, such as when lifting a heavy object. Strains may be more likely to happen if you haven't warmed up first to get blood circulating to the muscles. They're also common for someone returning to a sport after the off-season. That first time playing softball after a long winter off might lead to a strained calf or thigh muscle.A sudden (acute) strain is caused by:

• A recent injury
• Lifting heavy objects the wrong way
• Overstressing the muscles.

Sprains are caused by falling, twisting, or getting hit.These can force a joint out of its normal position. This kind of injury is common in sports, but can also happen any time you trip or fall. One mom sprained her ankle when she got tangled in the pants she was trying to put on!Sprains can occur if people:

• Fall and land on an arm
• Fall on the side of their foot
• Twist a knee.

Where Do Sprains Usually Occur?

Sprains happen most often in the ankle. Sometimes when people fall and land on their hand, they sprain their wrist. A sprain to the thumb is common in skiing and other sports.

Sources

Kidshealth

Niams