SPRAIN -VS- STRAIN
Hello, Today I am going to explain the difference between a sprain and a strain. Most people don't know the difference between the two.
A sprain is when a ligament is stretched or torn. A ligament is a fibrous tissue that attaches a bone to another bone. ( Think L.B.B. ligament= bone to bone ). The medial collateral ligament in the knee connects the upper thigh ( femur bone ) to the lower leg ( shinbone or tibia ).It helps stabilize the joint and keeps things connected.Most sprains occur inside or outside a joint ( Ex: knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, finger etc..).
A Strain is when a muscle or tendon is stretched or torn. A tendon attaches muscle to bone. ( Think M.T.B.= muscle to bone).A strain usually occurs along the the long muscles of our body. The front ( Quadriceps) and the back ( Hamstring ) muscles that run along the thigh bone are common sites for a strain.If you are running fast and suddenly feel a " pull "or tightness you may have strained a muscle.
Both a sprain and strain are graded in their severity:
A grade 1 = Mild , Mild stretching / tear
A grade 2= Moderate stretching / tear
A grade 3= Severe stretching or complete tear
In cases of a grade 3 tear, surgical intervention may be needed to restore the integrity of ligament , tendon or muscle involved. Remember , always seek a licensed professional to diagnose and treat an injury !
Basically a sprain involves a ligament and a joint and a strain involves a muscle and its tendon. I hope this information helps you understand a little bit more about our amazing body. So tell your friends. Let them know.They will think your smart. Enjoy today and everyday ! Be well and smile :)
Thanx, Stephen V.
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