Sprains Vs. Strains

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, or the thick, tough tissue that connects the bones together, keeping the body in a normal alignment. By keeping the skeleton in line, ligaments help to avoid abnormal movements; however, when too much force is applied, the ligament typically suffers a sprain.

A strain is an injury to the muscles or the tendons that attach the muscles to the bones. When overstretched, the muscle may become injured or strained. Both injuries typically occur in or around a joint and mostly during a physical activity or sport. Commonly injured ligaments of the upper extremity include those in the elbow, shoulder, and wrist.

While not all sprains and strains can be prevented, it is important to know if one occurs and whether it should be evaluated by a sports medicine doctor.

Athletes will need to see a specialist if:

• They experience severe pain when trying to move the injured joint
• The area surrounding the injured joint becomes tender to the touch
• The injury site develops bumps or noticeable swelling
• They are unable to move the joint through its normal range of motion
• The arm or joint feels unstable, buckles, or gives way when attempting to use it
• The same upper extremity area has been injured multiple times before

However, if the injury does not involve any of the symptoms listed above and the sprain or strain does not require a visit to a specialist, it can be treated using the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevate) treatment method.

For more information on upper extremity sprains and strains and the treatment options available, our team of sports medicine experts is here for you and your athletes. Please call (404) 255-0226 for our specialists at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia.