Strains and sprains are two of the most common types of soft tissue injuries that can occur in the body. While they may sound similar, there are some key differences between strains and sprains that should be understood in order to properly treat them.

Put simply, strains involve an injury to a muscle or tendon, while a sprain is an injury to a ligament. Both strains and sprains are acute soft tissue injuries that can be caused by overuse, sudden movements, or trauma.

Strains – Damage to the Muscles & Tendons

A muscle strain is a common condition that occurs when the muscles in the body are overworked and become inflamed. Symptoms of muscle strain include pain, tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.

When you have a strain, there is damage to the muscles & tendons, so let us explain how they work… Muscles and tendons are two essential components of the human body (soft tissues) that work together to provide movement and stability.

Muscles are responsible for producing force and motion, while tendons attach muscles to bones, allowing them to move the body. Together, muscles and tendons help us perform everyday activities like walking, running, lifting weights, and even typing on a keyboard.

For example, a hamstring strain would mean there was damage to the hamstring muscles.

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain or tenderness
  • Redness or bruising
  • Limited motion
  • Muscle spasms
  • Swelling
  • Muscle weakness

There are three different types of strains, which are described by the severity of damage in three grades (mild strain to severe strain):

  • Grade 1 strain (mild strains) usually causes stretching of a few of the muscle fibers.
  • Grade 2 strain (more severe strains) has more significant damage, and some muscle fibers are damaged or torn.
  • Grade 3 strain (severe strains) is a complete rupture of the muscle.

Risk Factors and Treatment for Strains

Risk factors increase when the muscles are weak or too tight. The underlying cause of this are muscle imbalances, which are caused by overuse or modern lifestyle (too much sitting, uncomfortable shoes, unnatural ground, hunched over a desk, etc.)

Treatment for soft tissue injuries such as muscle strains typically involves some rest and physical therapy exercises, known as rehabilitation. These exercises can be done at home (using an high quality at home rehab system, such as Malin Method, or go see an excellent physical therapist.)

Rehabilitation helps heal all grades of strains. Rehab repairs torn tendons and muscles, while ensuring they are strong and stable with healthy range of motion to improve overall movement and help protect the muscles and tendons from future injury.

Sprains – Damage to the Ligaments

On the other hand, sprains happen when there is damage to ligaments… Ligaments are strong, flexible bands of tissue that connect bones together (also considered soft tissues). They provide support and stability to joints and help keep them in place.

Without ligaments, our bodies would not be able to move as they do. Ligaments also play a role in the healing process after an injury. They help the body heal by providing stability while new connective tissue is formed.

For example, a sprained ankle means there was damage done to the ligaments in the ankle. FYI, a sprained ankle is the most common type of sprain. You might also see something like an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) sprain, means there was damage done to the ACL ligament.

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limited ability to move the affected joint
  • Hearing or feeling a “pop” in your joint at the time of injury

The grading system for sprain injury is similar to that of strains.

  • Grade 1 sprains (mild sprains) occur when fibers of the ligament are stretched but not torn.
  • Grade 2 sprains (more severe sprains) are injuries where the ligament is partially torn.
  • Grade 3 sprains (severe sprains) occur when the ligament is completely torn or ruptured.

Risk Factors and Treatment for Sprains

Risk factors increase when the ligaments are weak, unstable or put into positions of stress from muscle imbalances (tight or weak muscles that throw the joint out of balance). Certain risks can also include general medical conditions, such as arthritis.

Treatment for sprains, such as a sprained ankle, typically involves some rest and physical therapy exercises, known as rehabilitation. These exercises can be done at home (using an high quality at home rehab system, such as Malin Method, or go see an excellent physical therapist.)

Rehabilitation helps heal all grades of sprains. Rehab helps repair torn ligaments and ensures they are strong and stable with healthy range of motion to improve overall movement and help protect the ligaments and joints from future injury, without braces (ie ankle braces), wraps or tape.