Sprains & Strains: what’s the difference, how do they effect us and what are the different severities.
Sprain:
Stretch and/or tear of a ligament (a strong band of tissue that connects bone to bone). These most commonly occur in the lateral ankles, knees, wrists and thumbs.
Sprain Classification:
- Grade I: Mild stretching of the ligament complex without joint instability.
- Grade II: Partial rupture of the ligament complex without joint instability.
- Grade III: Complete rupture of the ligament complex with instability of the joint.
Symptoms:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Loss of functional ability
Strain:
Stretch and/or tear of muscles fibres and/or tendon (fibrous cord of tissue that attaches muscle to bone). These typically occur in the fit, leg (most commonly hamstring) and back.
Strain Classification:
• First-degree (mild) strain: Only a few muscle fibres are stretched or torn. Although the injured muscle is tender and painful, it has normal strength but power may be limited by pain.
• Second-degree (moderate) strain: There are several injured fibres and more severe muscle pain and tenderness. There is also mild swelling, noticeable loss of strength, and sometimes a visible bruise.
• Third-degree (severe) strain: The muscle tears all the way through, sometimes producing a ‘pop’ sensation as the muscle rips into two separate pieces or shears away from its tendon. There is a total loss of muscle function, severe pain and swelling, a visible bruise, and difficulty bearing weight.
Symptoms:
• Muscle Spasm
• Muscle Weakness
• Localised Swelling
• Pain
• Muscle Cramping
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Tunbridge Wells
TN1 2DP
