Sprain and Strain Treatment in Rochester, NY

For those without experience in the field of medicine, it can be difficult to distinguish one type of injury from another. For instance, how can you tell the difference between a muscle strain and a muscle sprain?

Such a diagnosis requires a bit of background information, which is why we are about to explain some of the most common types of injuries and how to differentiate them from one another.

If you’re dealing with symptoms of a sprain or strain in the Rochester area, our orthopedic surgeons may be able to help. Give us a call at (585) 218-4337 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

What Is a Sprain?

A sprain refers to an injury of a particular joint, such as a knee sprain or an elbow sprain. These sprains occur when a ligament (the tissues that connect different bones within the body) is overstretched. Sprains can range from being very mild to severe.

Mild sprains require little more than adequate rest and routine icing, but more serious sprains can leave the joint unstable and prone to an even worse injury. In extreme cases, the ligaments of the joint may even tear completely away from the bone.

All sprain cases will result in similar symptoms, including:

• Swelling
• Pain near the joint
• Bruising

What Is a Strain?

A strain is very similar to a sprain, but instead of dealing with ligaments, a strain affects the tendons. These tendons help to connect muscle to nearby bones, and when stretched or torn can cause a significant amount of pain.

Again, strains follow the same basic principles of sprains in the sense that they are generally less severe injuries that lead to moderate pain but a relatively speedy recovery when treated properly.

Most people will experience muscle spasms and muscle weakness after suffering a strain. In addition to these, you can also expect some swelling, cramping, and pain to radiate from the area of the strain.

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