Sprains, Strains, Breaks

Engaging video explaining the difference between Sprains, Strains and Breaks, their common causes and medical care advise.
If you’ve sprained your ankle, you know what severe pain is.

But maybe that “sprain” was a “strain” or possibly even a “break.”

The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal. So, oftentimes the only way to find out what you have is to see a healthcare provider.

Lets Break down the differences between the three:

  1. SPRAINS: A sprain is caused by an injury that stresses a joint and overstretches or even ruptures supporting ligaments. This can happen from a fall, twist, or blow to the body,

    2. In a mild sprain, a ligament is stretched, but the joint remains stable and is not loosened. A moderate sprain partially tears the ligament, causing the joint to be unstable. With a severe sprain, ligaments tear completely or separate from the bone. This loosening interferes with how the joint functions. You may feel a tear or pop in the joint. Although the intensity varies, all sprains commonly cause pain, swelling, bruising, and inflammation.

  2. Strains: 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. Typical symptoms of a strain include:
    • Pain
    • Muscle spasm
    • Muscle weakness
    • Swelling
    • Inflammation
    • Cramping

    These are some common strains:

    • Back strain. This happens when the muscles that support the spine are twisted, pulled, or torn. Athletes who engage in excessive jumping or twisting—during basketball or volleyball, for example—are at risk for this injury.
    • Hamstring muscle strain. This is when a major muscle in the back of the thigh tears or stretches. The injury can sideline a person for up to 6 months. Kicking a football, running, or leaping to make a basket can pull a hamstring. Hamstring injuries tend to happen again.
  3. Breaks: Bone breaks, unlike sprains and strains, should always be looked at by a healthcare provider to make sure of proper healing. Call your healthcare provider if the pain does not lessen or if the bone appears to be deformed. Seek urgent medical care if you have numbness, weakness, or poor circulation in the injured limb.

If you have any of these issues then call us at 928-774-4825 or visit our website flagstafffootandankle.com and book your appointment right away!

As one of the premier podiatry practices in Flagstaff, AZ our podiatrist and team at Flagstaff Foot Doctors also provide 5-star podiatry care to patients from Williams, Winslow, Sedona, Tusayan (Grand Canyon) & Page, AZ & the surrounding areas.