Two common injuries that share some similar symptoms are sprains and strains. While they may sound similar, these distinct injuries affected different areas of the body. Understanding the difference between a sprain and a strain is essential for proper treatment and recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of each injury so you can receive the care you need, when you need it.

For same-day injury diagnosis and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Louisville. Our certified medical providers can evaluate your condition and plan the best path to care. Simply walk-in or pre-register your visit online!

Understanding Sprains and the Symptoms

A sprain occurs when the ligaments are stretched or torn. Ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint. They provide stability to the joints and prevent excessive movement that could lead to injury. Sprains typically happen in the ankles, wrist, and knees, however they can affect any joint. Sprains are often caused by sudden and forceful twisting or wrenching of the joint beyond its natural range of motion.

Common symptoms of a sprain include:

• Pain around the affected joint
• Swelling that develops rapidly after injury
• Discoloration or bruising around the injured area
• Difficulty moving the joint & limited range of motion
• Instability and pain when putting pressure on the joint

Understanding Strains and the Symptoms

On the other hand, a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles are the tissues responsible for creating force and movement, whereas tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bones. Strains often happen when a muscle is overstretched or partially torn from activities that can involve forceful or high-intensive movement.

Common symptoms of a strain include:

• Pain in the affected area
• Muscle spasms or involuntary contractions
• Decreased flexibility and limited range of motion
• Weakness in the muscle
• Less-pronounced, localized swelling

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you suspect that you have a sprain or a strain, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider will evaluate your injury and perform a full diagnosis to better understand the underlying cause. Typically, a provider will use imaging tests like digital x-rays to assess the extent of damage to the ligament, muscle, or tendon. Once diagnosed, the initial treatment regimen for both sprains and strains is the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Be sure to give yourself time to rest and avoid putting pressure on the injured area to prevent further damage. Additionally, apply ice packs and compression wrap to reduce swelling and provide support to the injury. Lastly, keep the injured area elevated whenever possible to further reduce swelling.

In more severe cases, your provider may recommend physical therapy or other forms of treatment to aid your recovery. It’s important to follow your provider’s advice in order to restore strength properly. They may also prescribe pain relievers to manage discomfort and inflammation.

Get Same-Day Injury Care at AFC Urgent Care Louisville

While sprains and strains share some common symptoms, they can be properly diagnosed and treated at urgent care. For same-day injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Louisville. Our board-certified medical providers can properly assess your injury to get you on the right track toward recovery. The center is open seven days a week and always accepts walk-in patients. We work with most insurance plans and offer cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about sprain or strain symptoms and treatment, please contact us directly (720) 961-9700