What’s the Difference Between Sprains and Strains?
What’s the Difference Between Sprains and Strains? A Chiropractor in Newmarket Explains
You’re running on a trail, feeling great, when suddenly—ouch! You twist your ankle, or maybe you pull a muscle. Now you’re sitting there, wondering, “Did I just sprain something? Or is this a strain?” It’s a question I hear all the time in my practice as a chiropractor in Newmarket. And honestly, it’s easy to confuse the two. They’re both common injuries, they can happen during similar activities, and they can leave you feeling pretty uncomfortable. But here’s the thing, they’re not the same. Knowing the difference can help you take the right steps for recovery and, hopefully, get back on your feet faster.
Let’s break it down so you can better understand how to care for your body when these injuries happen.
Sprains vs. Strains: What Sets Them Apart?
At first glance, sprains and strains seem like two sides of the same coin. Both involve soft tissue injuries, but the key distinction lies in what gets injured. Here’s the scoop:
What Is a Sprain?
A sprain happens when you stretch or tear a ligament. Think of ligaments as the sturdy ropes that connect your bones and keep your joints stable. When those ropes are pushed too far, you’ve got a sprain.
How do sprains happen?
- Rolling your ankle on uneven ground (we’ve all been there).
- Falling and landing awkwardly on your hand.
- Sudden, sharp movements during sports, like pivoting or tackling.
What does a sprain feel like?
- Pain near a joint—ankles, knees, and wrists are common culprits.
- Swelling, bruising, and tenderness.
- You might find it hard to move the joint or put weight on it.
What Is a Strain?
A strain, on the other hand, involves your muscles or tendons. If ligaments are the ropes holding your bones together, tendons are the cords that connect your muscles to those bones. Overstretch or tear a tendon or muscle, and you’ve got yourself a strain.
What causes strains?
- Going too hard at the gym (yes, even those ambitious deadlifts).
- Lifting heavy objects with poor form.
- Repeating the same motion over and over, like swinging a golf club or typing for hours.
What does a strain feel like?
- Muscle pain or soreness, sometimes accompanied by swelling.
- Spasms (those annoying, twitchy feelings).
- Weakness or trouble using the muscle like you normally would.
How Can You Tell If It’s a Sprain or a Strain?
I get it, when you’re in pain, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what’s going on. Here are some clues that might help:
- Where’s the pain? Sprains tend to target joints (think ankles or wrists), while strains often show up in larger muscle groups, like your hamstrings or lower back.
- What caused it? Twisting or falling awkwardly? Odds are it’s a sprain. Overdoing it during a workout? You might be dealing with a strain.
- What are the symptoms? Sprains usually bring more swelling and bruising to the party, while strains are more likely to come with muscle spasms.
Still not sure? No worries! A quick visit to a chiropractor in Newmarket can help confirm what’s going on and get you started on the right treatment plan.
Treating Sprains and Strains
The silver lining is that most sprains and strains are manageable with some TLC and a little patience. That said, severe injuries might need professional care.
The R.I.C.E Method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
For minor injuries, this tried-and-true approach works wonders:
- Rest: Give your body a break—don’t push through the pain.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the area for 15–20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to keep swelling in check. Just make sure it’s snug, not cutting off circulation!
- Elevation: Prop up the injured area above your heart to help with swelling.
When to Seek Help From a Chiropractor in Newmarket
If the pain isn’t improving after a few days, or if it’s severe to begin with, it’s time to call in the pros. At PhysioChiroWellness, we specialize in treating both sprains and strains with a comprehensive, hands-on approach.
Chiropractic adjustments can help realign your joints and reduce inflammation, while physiotherapy and therapeutic exercises can speed up your recovery. We’ll work with you to create a plan that’s tailored to your specific injury and lifestyle.
Can You Prevent Sprains and Strains?
While accidents aren’t 100% avoidable (hey, we’re only human), there are ways to lower your risk:
- Warm up before physical activity: Dynamic stretches and light cardio can help prep your muscles and joints.
- Strengthen your core: A strong core supports your entire body and reduces strain on other areas.
- Wear proper footwear: This is especially true for runners and athletes—good shoes make a big difference.
- Practice good posture: Whether you’re lifting weights or sitting at your desk, alignment matters.
- Listen to your body: If something feels off, don’t push through it. Rest is important, too!
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Q: Can a chiropractor help with sprains or strains?
Absolutely. A chiropractor can assess your injury, improve joint function, and offer treatments that promote healing.
Q: How long does it take to recover?
It depends on the severity. Mild injuries might heal in a week or two, while more serious ones could take several weeks—or longer.
Q: Should I keep exercising if I have a sprain or strain?
Not right away. Rest is key in the early stages of recovery. Once you’re feeling better, gentle, guided exercises can help you regain strength and flexibility.
Why Choose PhysioChiroWellness for Chiropractor in Newmarket?
Here at PhysioChiroWellness, we believe in a well-rounded approach to healing. From chiropractic care to physiotherapy, acupuncture, and beyond, we’re here to help you recover and stay active. If you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, or any other injury, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
Ready to feel better? Call us at (905) 836-0571 or click here to book an appointment.