Sprains, Strains and Tears

What are sprains, strains, and tears?

Strains and sprains involve the stretching or tearing of tendons, muscles, or ligaments. They commonly happen when training for or playing sports, working at a physically demanding job, being in an accident, or falling.

Sprains

Sprains are the tearing or stretching of ligaments, which are tough and fibrous tissue bands in your joints connecting two bones together. Sprains are common in the ankle joint.

Strains

Strains are injuries that stretch or tear tendons and muscles. Tendons are fibrous cords connecting bones to muscles. Strains often appear in the hamstring muscle in the back of your thigh or your lower back. 

Tears 

Severe injuries can tear soft tissues — such as muscle fibers, tendons, and ligaments — rather than simply overstretching these tissues. 

What are the symptoms of sprains and strains?

The symptoms of strains and sprains vary by the severity of your injury and may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Pain
• Numbness
• Muscle spasms
• Reduced movement in the affected joint or muscle
• Popping sound during the injury
• Inability to bear weight on the affected joint
• Inability to move an injured joint

These injuries are often graded from 1 to 3. Grade 1 is stretched tissue or a mild tear with little to no instability. Grade 2 is a more severe injury, but still not a complete tear. Grade 3 is the most severe, causing complete rupture or torn tissue along with joint instability, significant pain, and an inability to bear weight on the affected joint. 

What are the risk factors for sprains, strains, and tears? 

Sprain, strain, and tear risk factors include:

• Playing sports
• Physically demanding job
• Carrying excess body weight
• Ill-fitting shoes
• Overtraining
• Exercising on uneven or slippery surfaces
• Cutting, jumping, or pivoting
• History of sprains or strains
• Improper physical training
• Heavy lifting

Reducing the risk of sprains involves wearing appropriate footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly — but not overtraining.

How are sprains, strains, and tears diagnosed?

To diagnose the type of injury you have, the Go To Ortho team evaluates the affected area and discusses your symptoms and how the injury occurred. You might undergo on-site X-rays, an MRI, or other imaging procedures to determine the type and severity of your injury — and how to best treat it.

How are sprains, strains, and tears treated?

Treating sprains, strains, and tears may involve one or more of the following:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Medications that reduce pain and swelling
• Casting, bracing, or taping
• Crutches
• Physical therapy 
• Altering physical activity
• Surgery

If your injury is severe, including torn tendons, muscles, or ligaments, surgery may be the best way to fully restore the affected tissues. The Go To Ortho experts help you schedule surgery at a convenient location near you.

Mild to moderate sprains and strains may take 3-8 weeks to heal, while severe injuries often take a few months to make a full recovery.

If you suspect a sprain, strain, or tear, schedule an evaluation at Go To Ortho by phone, use the online booking feature, or simply walk in today.