Either through an injury or repetitive movement, many people experience issues with their muscles, ligaments, and tendons. These issues are referred to as strains or sprains, which are associated with pain, stiffness, and other bothersome, yet often minor health effects.
Strains and sprains affect different areas of the body. Injuries that impact the muscles and tendons, which are tissues that connect muscle to bone, are known as strains, while sprains affect ligaments, which are tissues that connect bone to bone. These bodily structures are known as soft tissues, and injuries affecting them can occur suddenly or develop over a long period of time.
While they can affect many different body parts, strains and sprains often cause similar symptoms:
Most soft tissue injuries heal on their own without the need for medical attention. However, some injuries may be more serious, such as the rupture of a tendon or ligament. Check with your doctor if pain and dysfunction are particularly intense or if the injury doesn’t improve after a week or so.
Most people can successfully treat strains and sprains using the RICE protocol, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. You can also take non-prescription medication to bring down swelling and manage pain. Generally, strains and sprains should heal in three weeks or less depending on the type of injury.
With more severe issues, a person may require physical therapy. Physical therapy can improve the strength of muscles surrounding the injured tissues to facilitate healing and prevent future injuries. In rare cases strains or sprains may require surgery in the event of a serious acute injury.