From the Guidelines
The main difference between a muscle strain and a ligament sprain is that a strain involves injury to muscles or tendons, while a sprain involves injury to ligaments. A strain occurs when a muscle or tendon (which connects muscle to bone) is stretched or torn, often from overuse, improper use, or trauma, and common symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, weakness, swelling, and limited movement 1. On the other hand, a sprain happens when ligaments (which connect bones to other bones) are stretched or torn, typically from a fall, twist, or blow to the body that forces a joint out of position, and sprains commonly cause pain, swelling, bruising, and limited joint mobility. According to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid, a person with a painful extremity injury that limits use should avoid activities that cause pain and seek medical attention, and it can be useful for first aid providers to apply cold (such as with ice and water surrounded by a damp cloth) to an acute sprain or strain for pain and swelling 1. Some key points to consider when treating strains and sprains include:
- Avoiding activities that cause pain
- Applying cold to the affected area for 20 to 30 minutes per application without direct contact on the skin to avoid cold injury
- Considering the application of a compression wrap after an acute ankle sprain or strain to promote comfort after an injury, without compromising circulation 1. It's essential to note that while both injuries are typically treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with over-the-counter pain relievers, mild to moderate strains and sprains usually heal within 2-6 weeks, but severe cases may require physical therapy or even surgery, and it's crucial to gradually return to normal activities to prevent re-injury and to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, inability to move the affected joint, or numbness in the injured area.
From the Research
Difference between Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain
- A muscle strain is an injury to the muscle itself, often caused by overstretching or tearing of the muscle fibers 2, 3, 4.
- A ligament sprain, on the other hand, is an injury to the ligaments, which are the tissues that connect bones to each other 5.
Causes and Symptoms
- Muscle strains often occur during strenuous activity and can cause acute pain, swelling, and limited function 2, 3, 4.
- Ligament sprains, such as ankle sprains, can occur due to sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle, and can cause pain, swelling, and instability 5.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment for muscle strains typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength 2, 3, 4.
- Treatment for ligament sprains, such as ankle sprains, may also involve RICE therapy, although the evidence for its effectiveness is limited 5.
Key Differences
- The primary difference between a muscle strain and a ligament sprain is the location and type of tissue injured, with muscle strains affecting the muscle and ligament sprains affecting the ligaments 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The treatment and management of these injuries may also differ, depending on the severity and location of the injury 2, 3, 4, 5.