MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Sprains and Strains is the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

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Find health information in languages other than English on Sprains and Strains

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Exercise Safety

Regular exercise is good for your body and safe for most everyone. However, with any type of activity, there is a chance you can get hurt. Exercise injuries can range from strains and sprains to back pain. With a little planning, you can prevent injury and stay safe during exercise.

Summary

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Ankle and wrist sprains are common. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and being unable to move your joint. You might feel a pop or tear when the injury happens.

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common. Many people get strains playing sports. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and trouble moving the muscle.

At first, treatment of both sprains and strains usually involves resting the injured area, icing it, wearing a bandage or device that compresses the area, and medicines. Later treatment might include exercise and physical therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Start Here

Sprains and Strains (National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases)Also in Spanish

Diagnosis and Tests

MRI of the Musculoskeletal System(American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America)Also in Spanish
Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (American College of Radiology, Radiological Society of North America)Also in Spanish

Prevention and Risk Factors

Stretching Safely and Effectively (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish

Treatments and Therapies

How to Care for a Sprained Ankle (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society)Also in Spanish
Strains and Sprains (Nemours Foundation)

Living With

How to Strengthen Your Ankle After a Sprain (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society)Also in Spanish
How to Stretch Your Ankle After a Sprain (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society)Also in Spanish
Mobility Aids: MedlinePlus Health Topic - Canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairsAlso in Spanish

Specifics

Hamstring Injury (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)Also in Spanish
Thumb Sprains (American Society for Surgery of the Hand)Also in Spanish
Whiplash (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
Wrist Sprains (American Society for Surgery of the Hand)Also in Spanish