A sprain is an injury to a ligament – a stretching or a tearing. A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear.
The usual signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of the ability to move and use the joint (called functional ability). However, these signs and symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the sprain. Sometimes people feel a pop or tear when the injury happens.
There are 3 types of sprains:
- Grade I or mild sprain causes overstretching or slight tearing of the ligaments with no joint instability. A person with a mild sprain usually experiences minimal pain, swelling, and little or no loss of functional ability. Bruising is absent or slight, and the person is usually able to put weight on the affected joint.
- Grade II or moderate sprain causes partial tearing of the ligament and is characterized by bruising, moderate pain, and swelling. A person with a moderate sprain usually has some difficulty putting weight on the affected joint and experiences some loss of function. An x-ray or MRI may be needed.
- Grade III or severe sprain experiences complete tearing or rupturing of the ligament. A person who sustain a severe sprain usually has pain, swelling, bruising and the patient is unable to put weight on the joint. An x ray is usually taken to rule out a broken bone.
Our doctors will perform an examination to find the source of your pain. Chiropractic, neurological, orthopedic and physical testing helps us to determine a treatment program.
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