Sprains & Strains

Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries in sports. An injury can occur from a single incident, or it may gradually arise after many repetitions of a motion.

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Sprains and Strains: What’s the Difference?

What is a sprain?

A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the fibrous band of connective tissue that joins the end of one bone with another. Ligaments stabilize and support the body’s joints. For example, ligaments in the knee connect the upper leg with the lower leg, enabling people to walk and run. Sprains happen most often in the ankle, and are more likely if you’ve had a previous sprain there. Repeated sprains can lead to ankle arthritis, a loose ankle or tendon injury.

Most common locations of ligament sprains in the body:

  • Shoulder (Acromioclavicular, transverse ligament)
  • Elbow (Medial and Lateral collateral)
  • Wrist (Carpal tunnel)
  • Knee (Anterior and Posterior Cruciate, Medial and Lateral Collateral)
  • Ankle (Lateral Ankle Ligaments/ Syndesmosis, Deltoid)

What is a strain?

A strain, in contrast, is an injury to muscle and/or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone. Acute strains are caused by stretching or pulling a muscle or tendon. Chronic strains are the result of overuse of muscles and tendons, through prolonged, repetitive movement. Inadequate rest during intense training can cause a strain.

What causes sprains and strains?

A sprain is caused by direct or indirect trauma (a fall, a blow to the body, etc.) that knocks a joint out of position, and overstretches, and, in severe cases, ruptures the supporting ligaments. Typically, this injury occurs when an individual lands on an outstretched arm; slides into a base; jumps up and lands on the side of the foot; or runs on an uneven surface.

Acute strains are caused by a direct blow to the body, overstretching, or excessive muscle contraction. Chronic strains are the result of overuse (prolonged, repetitive movement) of muscles and tendons. Inadequate rest breaks during intensive training precipitates a strain.

Who gets sprains and strains?

Professional and amateur athletes and the general public, as well, can sustain this injury. People at risk for the injury have a history of sprains and strains, are overweight, and are in poor physical condition.

All sports and exercises, even walking, carry a risk of sprains. The anatomic areas most at risk for a sprain depend on the specific activities involved. For example, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other jumping sports share a risk for foot, leg, and ankle sprains. Soccer, football, hockey, boxing, wrestling, and other contact sports put athletes at risk for strains. So do sports that feature quick starts (hurdling, long jump, running races, etc.). Gymnastics, tennis, rowing, golf-sports that require extensive gripping-have a high incidence of hand strains. Elbow strains frequently occur in racquet, throwing, and contact sports.

What are the signs of a sprain?

While the intensity varies, pain, bruising, swelling, and inflammation are common to all three categories of sprains: mild, moderate, severe. The individual will usually feel a tear or pop in the joint. A severe sprain produces excruciating pain at the moment of injury, as ligaments tear completely, or separate from the bone. This loosening makes the joint nonfunctional. A moderate sprain partially tears the ligament, producing joint instability, and some swelling. A ligament is stretched in a mild sprain, but there is no joint loosening.

What are the signs of a strain?

Typical indications include pain, muscle spasm, muscle weakness, swelling, inflammation, and cramping. In severe strains, the muscle and/or tendon are partially or completely ruptured, often incapacitating the individual. Some muscle function will be lost with a moderate strain, where the muscle/tendon is overstretched and slightly torn. With a mild strain, the muscle/tendon is stretched or pulled, slightly. The two most common strains that present to Spinal and Sports Care include:

  • Back strain. When the muscles that support the spine are twisted, pulled, or torn, the result is a back strain. Athletes who engage in excessive jumping (during basketball, volleyball, etc.) are vulnerable to this injury.
  • Hamstring muscle strain. A hamstring muscle strain is a tear or stretch of a major muscle in the back of the thigh. The injury can sideline a person for up to six months. The likely cause is muscle strength imbalance between the hamstrings and the muscles in the front of the thigh, the quadriceps. Kicking a football, running, or leaping to make a basket can pull a hamstring. Hamstring injuries tend to recur.

Other common locations were muscle strains can occur in the body:

  • Shoulder to elbow (Rotator Cuff, biceps and triceps)
  • Elbow to wrist region (Extensor/Flexor muscle groups)
  • Spine (Trapezius, Latissimus dorsi  and Quadratus lumborum)
  • Hip to Knee region (Quadriceps, Hamstring, Hip Flexor and Adductors)
  • Knee to Ankle (calf and peroneals)

How are sprains and strains treated?

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation usually will help minimize the damage. It is important in all but mild cases for a Sports Chiropractor to evaluate the injury and establish a treatment and rehabilitation plan. A severe sprain or strain may require surgery or immobilization followed by months of therapy. Mild sprains and strains may require rehabilitation exercises and activity modification during recovery.