The Easter season is a perfect time to go out with friends and family members. It is a time for mothers and fathers to catch up with one another. Kids also use the most out of this season to run around with friends and look for the hidden Easter eggs. You know what running around can bring? Accidents.
Because of their wacky adventures, children would often get into trouble and meet mishaps. This includes spraining or straining their way to fun. What is a sprain and how different is it from strain?
SPRAIN
Ligaments are a short collection of tissues. It is tough, flexible, and fibrous. It functions to hold joints together and it also bridges two bones or cartilages. Once these ligaments are overstretched and/or torn apart, we call this phenomenon a “sprain.”
STRAIN
However, when we talk about the overstretching and tearing of the muscles or tendons, this is what we call a “strain.” Tendons are cords of tissues that are densely filled with fibers. These fibrous connections of tissues unite the bones to the muscles. Most strains occur in the lower back and the hamstring muscle.
How do we know if we have a sprain or a strain?
Sprain and strain often have similar signs and symptoms. For this reason, people are always mistaken by these two terms. The common denominator of the two is the following:
- Incapability to use your joint in its full potential
Our joints have a wide array of motions. Add sprain or strain to the formula and this will make it difficult for you to use the full range of motion.
- Inability to stretch the affected area
Is the patient unable to flex the affected area? Then this might be a sign of a sprain or strain.
- Pain
It is common for the patient to experience pain, especially on the area of the affected joint.
- Swelling
Swelling is not too uncommon for people who experience strain or sprain. It is even accompanied by redness and tenderness in the affected area.
But what is the difference? The main difference between the two is that when you have a strain, you would most likely have a bruise. On the other hand, those who have sprain will experience muscle spasms.
One may experience sprain or strain through:
- Doing athletic activities
- Engaging in prolonged and repetitive motion
- Exercising
- Lifting heavy objects
- Overexerting one’s self
- Staying too long in an awkward position
If you want to know what needs to be done when a family member, a friend, or a stranger has a sprain or strain, read this blog: How Grave is a Strain and Sprain?
If you need Patient Physical Therapy in Texas for your Easter sprain or strain, head over to www.aeriorehab.com and get rid of the pain with the help of our physical therapists here in Aerio Rehab.
Stay active, but do not compromise your safety this Easter season.
Disclaimer
Blogs, content and other media uploaded online are for informational purposes only. Contents on this website should not be considered medical advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to visit their physician for health-related issues.
