Sprains and strains are common injuries that can affect anyone, from athletes to those with sedentary lifestyles.

Although they may sound similar, they are distinct types of injuries that require different treatment approaches.

Sprain vs Strain

The main difference between a sprain and a strain is the type of tissue that is injured.

When ligaments are stretched or torn, it's called a sprain, while a strain occurs when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn.

Sprains usually happen in joints such as the ankle, knee, or wrist, while strains can happen in any part of the body. Sprains are typically more severe than strains and can result in a complete tear of the ligament. Understanding the distinction can assist in determining the appropriate treatment.

Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries that can affect anyone, from athletes to those with sedentary lifestyles. Understanding the difference between these two types of injuries can help you choose the right treatment approach.

What is a Sprain?

A sprain is caused by abnormal joint movement and can result in pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area. Symptoms of a sprain include:

• Sudden onset of pain in the joint
• unable to bear weight or loss of power in the affected area
• Swelling and bruising, often significant
• Tenderness and pain at the injury site when touched
• Difficulty moving the affected joint
• The joint feels stiff and unstable.

A severe risk of sprains may require physical therapy, and torn ligaments can cause allergies and nerve pain, which makes medical help necessary. Risk factors for sprains include:

• Sports activities
• Physical trauma
• Poor conditioning
• Previous sprains

What is a Strain?

Sprains and strains are common soft tissue injuries caused by overstretching or pulling muscles or tendons.

Symptoms of a strain include:

• Pain that worsens with movement
• A characteristic sound that indicates a bone that has come off the tendon
• Possible deformity in the muscle area
• Tenderness and discomfort when weight-bearing
• Swelling in the affected area
• Cramping sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Limited range of motion in the affected limb.

Risk factors for strains include:

• Overuse
• Poor conditioning
• Sudden movements
• Repetitive motions

A short-term brace or physical therapy may also be necessary. First aid courses can teach proper pain management and rescue techniques.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries are a common occurrence that can result from various factors such as trauma, repetitive motion, or improper body mechanics. The two primary soft tissue injuries are sprains and strains, which involve stretching or tearing body tissue.

Here are the symptoms of each type of soft tissue injury:

Sprains:

• Swelling
• Loss of movement or power
• Unable to bear weight in the area
• Discolouration or bruising
• Sudden onset pain

Strains:

• Swelling
• Discolouration
• Bruising
• Pain with movement

Prevent soft tissue injuries by training and strengthening before sports/exercise, warming up/stretching, wearing proper footwear/safety gear, and avoiding painful activities.

Types of pain

Several types of pain can occur with soft tissue injuries. Acute pain is usually felt immediately after an injury.

It can be intense, while chronic pain lasts for a longer period of time and may be less severe but more persistent.

• Nerve or neuropathic pain is caused by nerve damage and can be characterised by a burning or tingling sensation.
• Pain can also be described as sharp, dull, aching, or throbbing, depending on the injury.
• Pain management techniques may include physical therapy and surgery in severely injured areas.

You can use ice packs, elevate the injured limb, and take pain relievers to provide pain relief. If the pain is severe or the bleeding has stopped, seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment for a Sprain and Strain

To treat sprains or strains, use the R.I.C.E. method and pain relievers. Severe cases may need physical therapy or surgery.

Initial treatments, other methods can help manage pain and promote healing. These include wearing a brace or splint, taking pain relievers as directed, and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

First aid strains and Sprains in emergencies, while registered training organisations offer additional education and certification in first aid and injury management.

Differences in the treatment of sprains and strains. While both may involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), there are some variations in treatment depending on the severity and location of the injury.

For example, a sprain may require immobilisation with a brace or cast to allow the damaged ligament to heal,

whereas a strain may benefit from gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises to prevent muscle stiffness and promote healing.

Allergic reaction

It occurs when the body's immune system responds abnormally to a foreign substance, such as pollen, dust, or certain foods.

The reaction can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.

If someone is having an allergic reaction, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Or start doing rescue breaths (CPR) if you all training do to it.

First aid course

First aid training is crucial for everyone. It helps people offer immediate assistance during emergencies, especially with soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains. Proper first-aid treatment can prevent further harm and promote healing.

A first aid course can teach individuals how to identify the difference between a sprain and a strain and provide appropriate treatment. You can also provide rescue breaths and manage nerve pain.

Participants will learn how to assess the severity of the injured area, CPR training, manage pain and swelling, immobilise the injured limb, and help the affected person move safely if there is a risk of sprains or sprains. They will also learn how to apply the RICE protocol and how to use pain relief correctly.

Consider taking a first aid course from a registered training organisation to handle soft tissue injuries and other emergencies confidently. It could save a life.

Conclusion

Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains have different symptoms. Sprains damage ligaments, while strains damage muscles or tendons. Soft tissue injuries can take 1-6 weeks to fully heal, depending on the severity of the injury and individual factors such as age and general health status.

Follow the RICER protocol for the first 72 hours with a medical professional. Severe cases need urgent medical attention. Avoid painful activities and wear safety gear to prevent future injuries. Healing time is one to two weeks.