Pain, weakness, andmuscle spasmsare common symptoms experienced after a strain occurs.
Ligament Sprains
Sprainsare injuries that affect ligaments, thick bands of cartilage that attach bone to bone.
They occur in response to a stretch or tear of a ligament.
Steve Debenport / E+ / Getty Images
Sprains can range from a mild ligamentous stretch to a complete tear.
Bruising, swelling, instability, and painful movement are common symptoms experienced after a sprain occurs.
Causes
Muscle strains are due to high-velocity forces acting against a muscle.
Sometimes, but not always, bruising may be present if you strain a muscle.
How can you tell if you have strained a muscle?
Typically, the muscle you strain will hurt when you have a go at contract it.
Overstretching a muscle that has suffered an acute strain may also cause pain.
Ligament sprains are due to a forceful movement to your body that places stress on a ligament.
They might even tear.
This overstretching or tearing is a ligament sprain.
Ligament sprains grading follows along similarly to muscle strain grades.
Ligaments sprains are typically accompanied by excessive motion around the joint that is supported by the ligament.
Significant swelling and bruising may also be present.
Diagnosing Sprains and Strains
Muscle strains are usually diagnosed by your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
Diagnosis of a ligament sprain includes various clinical tests performed by your healthcare provider.
Tests of the range of motion and strength around your injured joint will be performed.
These give your healthcare provider clues that a ligament sprain may be present.
An MRI is typically necessary to determine if a sprain is a grade I, II, or III.
Muscle Strain Treatment
Initial treatment for a muscle strain is rest.
During this time, ice may be applied to help ease the pain and swelling.
This helps it become healthy, pliable tissue again.
Your PT can show you the best stretches for your specific condition.
Muscle strains typically heal completely in about six to eight weeks.
Severe strains may take longer, and minor strains may be healed in just a few weeks.
Initial treatment for a sprain includes following the R.I.C.E.
principle.Rest the affected joint, and place ice on it with compression and elevation.
(Some PTs recommend following theP.O.L.I.C.E.
principleof protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, and elevation.)
Gentle range of motion exercises are usually started a few days after a sprain injury.
Slowly moving your affected joint passively and actively can help keep things moving while they are healing.
You may be required to wear a brace during the initial phases of healing for a ligament sprain.
Performing strengthening exercises to help support the joint where the ligament is injured may be necessary.
Typically, recovery from both muscle strains and ligament sprains takes about four to eight weeks.
Your exact healing time may vary based on the severity of your injury.
The mechanism of action for this protective effect is not yet fully understood.
You may be able to prevent ligament sprains through neuromuscular training with your physical therapist.
This can help guide the correct treatment.
Working closely with your PT can help you return to your previous level of activity.
Journal of Science in Medicine and Sport.
18(3): May, 2015.
