Sprain vs Strain: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever twisted your ankle or pulled a muscle, you may have wondered: is this a sprain or a strain? The symptoms can feel very similar—pain, swelling, and limited movement—but the injuries affect different tissues in your body.

Understanding the difference between a sprain and a strain is key to getting the right treatment and preventing long-term issues.

What’s the Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain?

1. A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tissue that connects bones to each other.

Sprains are most common in joints like the ankle, knee, wrist, or thumb.

2. A strain (also called a pulled muscle) is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which connects muscle to bone.

Strains are common in the back, hamstring, or shoulder.

Though the treatment approach for both is similar, the root cause and recovery timeline may differ.

Causes and Symptoms of a Sprain

Sprains occur when a ligament is overstretched or torn. This often happens when a joint is twisted awkwardly—like landing wrong on your foot or catching yourself during a fall.

Common symptoms of a sprain include:

• Sudden pain around a joint
• Swelling or bruising
• Limited joint movement
• A “popping” sound or feeling at the time of injury

Sprains are classified by severity:

• Mild (Grade 1): Overstretching
• Moderate (Grade 2): Partial tear
• Severe (Grade 3): Full tear of the ligament

Causes and Symptoms of a Strain

Strains happen when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn, often during physical activity or heavy lifting.

Symptoms of a muscle strain may include:

• Muscle pain or tenderness
• Swelling or bruising
• Muscle weakness
• Spasms or cramping
• Difficulty moving the affected area

Back and hamstring strains are particularly common among athletes or individuals with poor lifting technique or posture.

How to Treat a Sprain or Strain

In most cases, mild sprains and strains can be treated at home with the R.I.C.E. method:

• Rest the injured area
• Ice the injury for 15–20 minutes every few hours
• Compress with an elastic bandage
• Elevate the limb to reduce swelling

When to See a Doctor:

• If you can’t bear weight or move the joint
• If there’s pain directly over a bone
• If there’s numbness or tingling
• If the injury doesn’t improve within a few days

Primary care providers or orthopedists at BASS Medical Group can provide imaging, physical therapy referrals, or further evaluation if needed.

Special Focus: Sprained Wrists and Ankle Injuries

Two of the most common sprains are:

• Sprained wrist: Often caused by falling on an outstretched hand
• Sprained ankle: Frequently occurs during sports or walking on uneven ground

Both can range from mild to severe, and early rest and stabilization are essential for recovery. Severe sprains may require physical therapy—or in rare cases, surgical repair.

Can Sprains and Strains Lead to Other Injuries?

Yes. Without proper healing, a sprain or strain could lead to:

• Chronic joint instability
• Tendinitis or bursitis
• Weakness or limited range of motion

That’s why it’s important to follow through with care—even for minor injuries.

Get the Right Care from BASS Medical Group

Whether you’re recovering from a sprain, strain, or other soft tissue injury, the team at BASS Medical Group is here to help. Our providers can evaluate the injury, offer pain management options, and recommend additional support if needed—like imaging, physical therapy, or follow-up care.

Sprain or Strain? Get Relief Today.

If joint or muscle pain is affecting your mobility, don’t wait it out. Schedule a visit with a BASS provider to get expert care and start healing faster.