Accidents can cause various injuries. Some personal injuries are catastrophic, such as paralysis, nerve damage, or amputations. Then some are not as severe but can still be painful and debilitating. These include sprains, strains, and tears.
These three terms are often used interchangeably but they are different from each other. Sprains, strains, and tears are often seen as minor injuries since they involve soft tissues and usually cannot be seen on X-rays. However, they can cause a lot of pain and make it hard to move certain parts of the body. The most commonly affected body parts are the:
- Legs
- Knees
- Ankles
Here’s a closer look at these injuries and how they are caused.
What is a Sprain?
A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. Ligaments are tissue that connect bones to each other and stabilize joints. Sprains are often caused by sudden twists, impacts, or falls that force a joint out of its normal position. This is why ankles are commonly sprained, although shoulders, fingers, and calf muscles can also be sprained. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving. Ice and pain medications can be helpful.
What is a Strain?
A strain is similar to a sprain, but it involves muscles or tendons instead. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Strains typically result from overstretching or overuse of muscles. They often occur when lifting heavy objects or twisting the body too much, so the back and hamstrings are commonly affected. Symptoms may include muscle spasms, swelling, weakness, and pain. In some cases, there may also be a limited range of motion. Ice and pain medications can be helpful. Like sprains, ice and pain medications can also be helpful. In severe cases, though, you may need physical therapy.
What is a Tear?
Tears refer to the tearing or rupture of various tissues, including muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They can result from trauma, overuse, or degeneration of tissues over time. Symptoms vary depending on the type and location of the tear, but often include pain, swelling, and weakness. There may also be mobility issues, as a tear can put someone out of commission for a long time. Many athletes get tears in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is a ligament in the knee. Tears can take a long time to heal and may require a lot of rest as well as surgery.
Contact Us Today
Sprains, strains, and tears may not seem like serious injuries to some people, but they can cause pain and mobility issues. They can make it difficult to walk and even require surgery.
These injuries can occur in workplace accidents, slips and falls, sports, and more. A Mobile personal injury lawyer from Roger Varner Injury Law can help you file a compensation claim, if applicable. Schedule a free consultation by calling (833) 482-7637 or filling out the online form.