What are sprains and strains?

Sprains and strains are injuries to soft tissue. Soft tissues connect, support and surround bones and organs in our bodies.

The most common soft tissues injured are:

• ligaments — a tough band of tissue that hold your bones together at your joints
• muscles
• tendons — tissues that connect muscle to bone

What are the differences between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain is when you stretch or tear a ligament. A strain is when you stretch or tear a muscle or tendon. Knowing the difference between a sprain and a strain helps you understand your injury better.

Sprains

A sprain is when you stretch or tear a ligament, the soft tissue that connects bones and supports joints. Common areas for sprains are:

• ankles
• knees
• wrists

A sprain can be divided into 3 different grades:

• grade 1 – a slight stretch and small damage to the ligament
• grade 2 – a partial tear causing some looseness in the joint
• grade 3 – a complete tear leading to a loose and unstable joint

Strains

A strain is when you stretch or tear a muscle or tendon. Common areas for strains are your:

• back
• leg (especially your hamstrings)

What are the symptoms of sprains and strains?

Sprains and strains have several common symptoms. Symptoms of sprains and strains include:

• pain
• swelling
• bruising
• difficulty or inability to lift something heavy or lean on the injured joint

What causes sprains and strains?

A sprain or strain can happen during exercise and playing sport. These injuries can also happen when doing everyday activities.

A sprain or strain usually happens because of a:

• fall — for example falling off your bike
• twist — for example by using a racquet that forces your forearm to twist
• hit — for example during a contact sport

Another cause is called attrition. This happens when a ligament slowly gets worn out over many years by putting pressure on it again and again. For example, if you keep using electrical pliers over and over, it can strain a ligament in your wrist until it eventually breaks.

When should I see my doctor?

It's important to see your doctor to ensure your injury is properly treated and to prevent complications. You should see your doctor if:

• you have received first aid treatment for a sprain or strain
• your injury causes a lot of pain
• you are not sure whether you might have a fracture or dislocation
• your symptoms are not getting better within a week

Your doctor or a physiotherapist can give you further advice and treatment.

How are sprains and strains diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you questions about how the injury happened and what your symptoms are. This helps your doctor understand the type and severity of your injury.

Your doctor will examine you to check for:

• swelling
• bruising
• pain
• joint movement
• muscle strength
• ligament stability

Sometimes an ultrasound might be used to see the damaged area more clearly. X-rays can be used to rule out fractures.

How are sprains and strains treated?

Sprains and strains can take time to heal. It's important to get the right treatment to help you recover faster.

First aid treatment

Quick treatment can help decrease the swelling and pain when an injury happens. This treatment is also known as RICE.

• Rest the injured area — if your leg is hurt your doctor might tell you to use crutches so you don't put weight on it.
• Ice — put a cold compress or ice pack on the injury for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Don't put ice directly on your skin.
• Compression — wear a bandage around the injury to stop any swelling and bleeding.
• Elevate — raise the injured area higher than your heart while resting to help reduce swelling.

Treatment of mild injuries

Your doctor may tell you after physical examination that you can manage your treatment at home. They may advise you:

• to follow RICE for a few days
• to use over-the-counter pain-relief medicines
• not to use any heat on the injured area
• not to consume any alcohol
• not to run or do anything that prevent the injured area from healing
• not to use massage as this can cause more swelling to the area

Once your injury starts to heal, you can start doing exercises to strengthen the injured area. Physiotherapy can help you with this.

Treatment of moderate to severe injuries

Your physiotherapist may recommend:

• bracing, taping or bandaging the injury for a few weeks
• special exercises to help you heal

Surgery is rarely required.

Can sprains and strains be prevented?

Many injuries happen when you suddenly increase the amount or intensity of your activities. Here is how you can reduce the risk of sprains and strains:

• Use proper equipment — Wear the right gear, including well fitted, supportive shoes.
• Build up — Increase the intensity of your activities gradually.
• Warm up, stretch and cool down before, during and after exercising.
• Stay hydrated — Drink water before, during and after exercising.
• Rest — Take regular breaks and listen to your body.

Resources and support

Visit the Department of Health for more information on first aid for strains and sprains.

Australian Physiotherapy Association provides more information on:

• wrist sprains
• ankle sprains
• knee cartilage and knee ligament injuries

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.