Its finally the weekend - time to push yourself to the limit on the ice, field or in the gym. But with the excitement of competition comes the risk of injury to your muscles and joints. Two of the most common types of athletic injuries are strains and sprains. But what's the difference between the two, and how can you tell which one you have?
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. This type of injury is typically caused by overuse or over stretching, and results in pain and discomfort in the affected area. Essentially a strain results from asking a muscle to harder than it can handle, this could happen all at once like a sports injury, or gradually over time with repetitive stress. Strains can occur in any muscle in the body, but are most common in the legs, back, and arms. Muscles strains are some of the most common injuries we see at Joint Health Mobile Chiropractic.
A sprain on the other hand is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments connect bone to bone. Sprains often occur in the ankle, knee, or wrist and are usually caused by a sudden twisting or turning motion, think 'rolling your ankle'. This type of injury results in pain, swelling, and bruising, and can make it difficult to move the affected joint. What do you think is the most common sprain we see in the Chiropractic clinic? Thats right, ankles!
So how can you tell the difference between a strain and a sprain? Here are a few key signs to look for:
Strains
Muscle weakness
Pain in the muscle bell
Muscle cramping or spasms
Bruising or swelling may occur, but typically less than with sprains
Sprains
Pain and tenderness in the joint
More diffuse swelling and bruising in the area
Difficulty moving the affected joint
Tenderness or instability in the joint
If you suspect you have a strain or sprain, prompt assessment and treatment can help improve your recovery. Our mobile chiropractic clinic in Whitby, Ontario, is here to help you get back to your active lifestyle as quickly and effectively as possible. Our experienced chiropractors will work with you to diagnose the injury and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover and get back in the game.
So the next time you push yourself to the limit - or past it - remember to pay attention to your body and seek treatment if you suspect a strain or sprain. With the right care, you can get back to doing what you love in no time.
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