How To Prevent Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are some of the most common injuries, often happening during sports, daily activities, or unexpected falls. While they’re similar, they affect different parts of the body:

Sprains happen when ligaments (the tissue that connects bones) are stretched or torn.
Strains involve muscles or tendons (the tissue that connects muscles to bones) being overstretched or torn.

Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, and weakness, sometimes making it hard to move the affected area. Severe sprains may also lead to joint instability, making it difficult to walk or use the injured limb.

What Causes Sprains and Strains?

Sprains often happen from a sudden twist or fall, like rolling an ankle, landing wrong during a jump, or getting hit in a contact sport. A well-known foot sprain is turf toe, which happens when the big toe is forcefully bent upward.
Strains are usually caused by overstretching or overusing a muscle—this can happen when sprinting, lifting something heavy, or even making a sudden movement. Common areas affected include the hamstrings, lower back, shoulders, and feet.

How Are They Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose sprains and strains by examining the injury and asking how it happened. Sometimes, X-rays or MRIs are needed to check for fractures or serious soft tissue damage.

Sprains and strains are categorized by severity:

Mild (Grade I): Minor stretching with mild pain and swelling.
Moderate (Grade II): A partial tear, causing more swelling, bruising, and pain.
Severe (Grade III): A complete tear, often leading to significant pain, instability, and trouble using the affected joint or muscle.