health

Strains and sprains are injuries to the body’s soft tissues—its muscles,
tendons, and ligaments. They are everyday occurrences for athletes but
can happen to anyone as the result of a fall, a twist, or any other sudden
blow to the body.
Strains are injuries to muscles or to tendons, which support the bones
and connect them to the muscles. Sprains are injuries to ligaments, which
are bands of connective tissue that support the joints and connect the
bones to each other.
Strains occur most often in the muscles and tendons of the legs and
back: Hamstring pulls, groin pulls, and sore back muscles are common
forms of strain. Sprains most often affect the joints, such as the ankles,
knees, and wrists. Both strains and sprains cause pain, swelling, and
inflammation*. The injured area may also be discolored if it has been
bruised and blood pools underneath the skin.
Most people recover from strains and sprains if they see their doctor
promptly and follow the doctor’s instructions, which often involve what
is known as a R.I.C.E. protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.