Sprains and Strains
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Treatment
Definitions & Causes
The majority of sports injuries are caused by minor trauma involving muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons, including:
- Contusions (bruises)
- Sprains
- Strains
The most commonly sprained or strained joint is the ankle. The three ligaments involved in ankles sprains/strains include:
- Anterior talofibular ligament
- Posterior talofibular ligament
- Calcaneofibular ligament
Sprains or strains are uncommon in younger children because their growth plates (areas of bone growth located in the ends of long bones) are weaker than the muscles or tendons. Instead, children are prone to fractures.
What is a contusion?
A contusion (bruise) is an injury to the soft-tissue often produced by a blunt force such as a kick, fall or blow. The immediate result will be pain, swelling and discoloration.
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain is a wrenching or twisting injury to a ligament. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees or wrists.
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by overuse, force or stretching.