Sprains and strains are widely experienced soft tissue injuries by both athletes and other physically active individuals. According to Statistics Canada, sprains and strains were, by a considerable margin, the most commonly experienced injury among Canadians aged 12 years or older during the period 2009-10. 51% of those aged 12 years or older reported experiencing either a strain or sprain compared to the next most prevalent injury, bone fractures, at 17%.
We will see below that the two types of injuries have many more shared features than differences. As a result, they are frequently confused with each other. It should also be noted that the two types of injuries sometimes occur together.
However, there are subtle differences between the two and it is useful to understand what these are.
In this text, we will examine the differences and similarities between the pathologies or causes of these two types of injuries. We will then compare the symptoms and the treatment strategies commonly used for each type of injury.
On the other hand, strains are caused either by a traumatic event or by overuse of a muscle or the corresponding tendon over time. Overuse can occur, for example, with an athlete who overtrains and does not get enough rest between periods of activity.This in turn results in weakening of the muscle or tendon and then to it being overstretched or torn.
Grade I sprains or strains involve overstretching of the ligament or tendon, but no tearing.
Grade II sprains or strains involve a partial tear of the soft tissue involved (ligament for a sprain, muscle/tendon for a strain).
Grade III sprains or strains involve a complete severing of the ligament, muscle or tendon.
With some grade III injuries, there may also be damage to connected bone structures. These too will require surgical correction.
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The LP Cervical Collar uses a hook and loop design for optimal user comfort and restricts head/neck movement to aid recovery from neck strains, and wry neck. Its polyester/nylon mix makes it the ideal solution for those with neoprene allergies.
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This cold spray relives pain from strains, sprains or minor sports injuries.
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Cramer 1050i athletic tape is a high quality porous and latex free tape that comes in useful for treating or preventing soft tissue injuries as well as cuts, scrapes and other similar skin damage.
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Hartmann Deluxe Woven Elastic Bandages feature a breathable cotton body that minimizes heat build-up without sacrificing support. Its heat resistant heavy gauge rubber improves durability. Available in both Single (4.6M) & Double (10M) lengths. Washable.
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Web Tex elastic bandages are designed with the highest quality materials to ensure flexibility, durability, and comfort. Available in both econo and premium versions and with widths of 4″ and 6″. Single Length (5 Yards) only.
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Elastic Bandage is a high quality cotton and elastic bandage. A highly versatile bandage that you can use to treat muscle/ligament strains and sprains as well as bone fractures.
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Designed by Jenny McConnell, Endura sports tape is a rigid rayon backed strapping tape optimized for patellofemoral strapping and taping.
This product has been discontinued. Please consider BSN Leukotape or DynaPro Rigid Athletic Tape instead.
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Mueller FlexLight tape is a light, highly elastic and tearable tape used for fixing braces, cleats and other athletic gear as well as for supporting injured body parts.
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The Relief Pak® HotSpot® Moist Heat Pack provides the same moist heat therapy advantages as the Hydrocollator® HotPacs at a more economical price.
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The econo-wrap latex free elastic bandage provides a comfortable, safe, and hypoallergenic alternative for individuals with latex allergies, without compromising on quality or performance. It delivers firm, customizable support, making it perfect for managing injuries, swelling, or offering preventative support during physical activity.
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BSN Leukotape P is a rayon backed rehabilitation tape with high tensile strength and a powerful adhesive. It is frequently used for taping the patella-femoral and shoulder areas and can remain in position for up to 18 hours at a time.
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LightPlast pro is an elastic and tearable athletic tape that offers consistent unwind tension and excellent conformability.
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Cramer Sports Medicine’s non tear stretch tape will provide serious athletes with the protection they need for weak or unstable joints or to avoid strains or sprains. Latex free for maximum wearing comfort and available either with 2″ or 3″ widths.
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Try Rub A535 for its instant warming relief of stiff and sore muscles and joint pain. 100g tube available in both maximum & regular strength versions.
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Choose DynaPro SelfWrap for a latex free and hypoallergenic solution to your need for a cohesive bandage that will stick only to itself and provide the support and compression you need for treatment of your soft tissue injuries.
Please see below for details.
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The DynaPro Single Use Instant Cold Pack will help reduce pain, swelling and bleeding in the immediate aftermath of suffering an acute injury.
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Mueller Sports Medicine Sports Wrap is a versatile alternative to compression wraps, wound care and fixation bandages. It will support your tape jobs and keep them in place, keep your hair away from your face and serve many other useful purposes.
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Use DynaPro StretchLight hand tearable elastic adhesive bandages for superior conformability and support for knees, ankles, hands and wrists, particularly when treating sprained or vulnerable joints.
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Calko Tensor Bandagess are versatile reinforced bandages with stretch and compression. Used mainly to treat muscle strains and sprains, these wraps can also be used to hold hot and cold packs or other bandages in place, to treat bone fractures and also to address lymphedema and other venous disorders.
Now discontinued. Please consider Web Tex Elastic Bandages instead.
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This 100% cotton triangular bandage measures 40″ x 40″ x 56″, comes with 2 safety pins and should be part of every complete first aid kit.
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The Mueller Wonder Wrap provides firm and reliable support with long term elasticity. Durable and reusable, this wrap is the ideal solution when you are looking for a quick way to treat a muscle strain.
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Wrist brace to control motion of the CMC and MP joints
The Bio Skin Wrist / Thumb Spica controls motion in the CMC and MP joints by protecting the thumb and wrist against painful movements, while allowing full use of the fingers. Constructed with Bio Skin’s patented Ultima 2s™ material, the Wrist / Thumb Spica features a thin layer of ultra-soft micro-fleece against the skin, which wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry. The brace has no laces, so it can easily be applied with one hand.