Sprain and strains are the most common soft tissue injuries experienced by athletes or any other person. These two words are often used interchangeably. However, both are conditions that can be managed effectively with the proper treatment.
Sprains
Inside of the body, the bones are attached by thick, fibrous tissue called ligaments. This ligaments hold the bones together in the form of joints. When there is injury to a ligament (often from over-stretching of the ligament) it is called a sprain.
Sprains commonly occur on knees, ankles, wrists, and fingers. These areas of the body are prone to twisting and falling. An awkward position of the joint may cause the ligaments to end up tearing. Sprains are also common in athletes who place added stress on the joints or through injury.
A strain is a stretch or a tear of a muscle or tendon. Tendons connect skeletal muscles to the bones. When the muscle is stretched beyond its normal range, tensile force is produced which causes muscle fibers to tear.
Strains commonly affect the back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring (muscles in between the hip and knee). The most common causes of strains are repetitive movement and overexertion of force that could cause so much trauma to the said body areas. Among this is lifting a heavy object or performing strenuous exercises repetitively.
Both sprain and strain exhibit common symptoms of a normal response of the body to an injury. Right after it, a person can feel a sudden onset of pain to the affected area, swelling, bruising, and a limited range of motion.
The RICE Method can alleviate the onset of symptoms of sprain and strains mostly swelling and pain.
Alongside the RICE Method, patients can work with their provider, if the issue is severe or not resolving.
Dr. Ungar, at Belden Village of Chiropractic & Wellness Center, in Canton OH provides treatment for sprain and strain type injuries.
Sources: