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Pro Sports and Elite Rehab Tips: What is the difference between a 'Sprain' and a 'Strain'?

Pro Sports and Elite Rehab in Vero Beach, Florida

Sprains and strains are common injuries, especially among active people. But the differences between these injuries are not widely understood while both of these conditions are painful, they are caused by damage to different tissues of the body.

Sprains are injuries to ligaments, which are the thick elastic bands connecting bone to bone. Ligaments stabilize joints and facilitate movement. If a joint moves beyond its usual range of motion, this often causes a sprain.

Strains are injuries to either muscles or tendons, which are the tissues binding muscle to bone. They include tears in the area where muscle and tendon bind together. Both muscles and tendons are composed of smaller fibers, which contract to move the body. A strain may overstretch these fibers, tear them partially, or result in a complete rupture.

As always, if you have any questions about sports medicine, please reach out to us at Pro Sports and Elite Rehab in Vero Beach, Florida at (772) 978-7808 and we would be happy to assist you.

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