$Unique_ID{BRK01073}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Are "Strain" and "Sprain" the Same Physical Condition?}
$Subject{strains strains description}
$Volume{N-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are "Strain" and "Sprain" the Same Physical Condition?


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QUESTION:  Aren't the words "strain" and "sprain" used for the same physical
condition?  It seems that the doctors always give me the same advice no matter
which one of these two terms is used as the diagnosis.

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ANSWER:  No, actually "strain" and "sprain" are two separate situations,
although I am sure that many of us have used these words as if they were
interchangeable.  A strain results from overstretching or overexertion of a
muscle.  When you try to use a muscle once it has been strained, you'll know
it, because it hurts and you can often actually put your hand over the area of
injury by feeling for the aching muscle.  A strain, however, is a joint injury
and occurs when some of the fibers in the ligaments which form that joint are
torn or ruptured.  The ligament as a whole still remains intact, but the
injury provokes pain in that area.  A typical injury of this type that is most
common is an ankle sprain.  Because this joint bears most of the body work and
is subject to accidental twisting during walking, running and athletics,
almost everyone has had to deal with this frequent sprain.  Obviously, whether
it is a muscle that has been injured or a joint, your doctor is going to
recommend rest, applications of heat to the area, and possibly some type of
analgesic or pain-killer.  NSAID's (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
like ibuprofen are also useful to reduce the inflammation and swelling that
may also be present.  You would be wise to take that advice and not to overuse
either the joint or the muscle until all signs of pain or tenderness have
disappeared.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
