Posted by Dr Manu Bora

Often sprains and strains are interchanged as people think that they are the same. But in reality, it is not true because both the terms tend to be different from each other. So first, you need to know that sprains and strains are quite common sports injuries, and they occur pretty often with a quick or a sudden force twisting of your ankle or knee. But you must know that the joint sprains or strains are not always as they tend to be caused by some repetitive use. But if you are confused between both terms, you don't need to stress as you are on the right page because here, you can learn everything about joint sprains and strains.

Things to know about joint sprain:

Ideally, you suffer from joint sprain when your ligaments are in a joint stretched or even torn. Ligaments mainly hold your joints and bones together; when your knee twists suddenly or abnormally while you fall or change direction quickly, your ligaments are likely to be stretched beyond some limitations. Joint sprains are likely to be intensified when they occur. Besides that, swelling is also common following the injury. The joint sprains are most likely to be mild with only stretching or even minimum tears to your ligaments. They are ideally severe which tear the ligaments completely. The treatment mainly depends on the sprain type or level. Almost all sprains, including the knee, shoulder, or elbow, can quickly heal without any surgery. But they might need some conservative medical treatments and physical therapies. If you have suffered complete tears, it can require some surgery, including ACL tear or some other knee ligament tears.

Things to know about joint strains:

A joint strain occurs when your muscles or tendons are likely to be attached to your joint, which tends to be stretched, torn, or even injured. A theme is quite common in large muscle groups, including the lower back or hamstrings, but it can also occur in your joints. For example, a rotator cuff injury is mainly a type of shoulder strain, and the rotator cuff includes muscles and tendons, which help rotate your shoulder joint. Likewise, the jumper's knee or patellar tendonitis is often related to a tendon strain which mainly connects your kneecap to the tibia.

Just like sprains, even joint strains can be either severe or mild. Stretched or even damaged tendons in your shoulder, knee, elbow, or ankle need some rest besides anti-inflammatory medications. If required, you shouldn't think twice before getting treatments or therapies. Severe or complete tears are likely to need some orthopedic surgery.

The sprains and strains are pretty painful, and they also weaken the joints. It is vital to ensure that all your joints are healed perfectly so you can prevent any future injury. You need to visit a doctor if you have any sprain or strain which needs to be treated in time. Above all, you shouldn't ignore pain, or else it will worsen.