Sprain vs. Strain: What’s the Difference and How to Treat Each

**Sprain vs. Strain: What’s the Difference and How to Treat Each** When you twist an ankle, pull a muscle, or experience an unexpected twinge of pain, it’s common to wonder whether it’s a sprain or a strain. Both injuries can be painful, cause swelling, and limit mobility, making it hard to know which one you’re dealing with. Though they share similarities, sprains and strains affect different parts of the body and often require slightly different treatment approaches. Knowing the difference between the two can help you recover faster and avoid re-injury. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the definitions of sprains and strains, explore their symptoms, and outline the best treatment methods for each, so you can take the right steps toward recovery. What is a Sprain? A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to each other within a joint. Ligaments are essential for joint stability, helping keep bones in alignment and limiting certain t...