Strain Vs Sprain: What’s The Difference?

Physiotherapy Maidenhead sprain strain

Physical injuries are a fact of life and you’re sure to feel aches and pains at some point, no matter how active you are. Two of the most common complaints are sprains and strains – but what’s the difference between them both and how do you best go about treating each one?

Sprains

A sprain happens when your ligaments (tissue that connects bones together in your joints) are torn or overstretched. Your ankle joints are particularly susceptible to sprains. Symptoms of sprains include bruising, pain, swelling, reduced flexibility and reduced range of motion.

Strains

Strains are when muscles or tendons (tissue that connect bones to muscles) are torn or overstretched. Your lower back and hamstrings are the most vulnerable parts of the body for strains. Symptoms are similar to sprains, including pain, swelling, reduced flexibility and range of motion, but you may also experience muscle spasms as well.

How to treat strains and sprains

The good news is that both sprains and strains can be treated in the same way. 

For the first two or three days post-injury, protect the affected area, rest up and avoid putting any weight on it, use ice packs for up to 20 minutes every two hours, compress the injury with a bandage for support and elevate it as much as you can. Avoid heat therapy for the first few days to reduce the risk of swelling.

You should start to see improvements after two weeks, but avoid strenuous exercise for up to eight weeks to avoid aggravating the issue.

How can physio help?

Physiotherapy can be very beneficial if you have sprains and strains, restoring mobility, strength and stability through a programme of stretches, exercises and manual therapy. If you’d like to find out more about how the Clear Physio team could help get you back on your feet, get in touch with us today.