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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

When you overdo it physically, you may experience sudden pain and swelling around a joint or a muscle. The injury you have may be a sprain or a strain. Here's the distinction:

  • Sprain. A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another. Common locations for sprains are your ankles and knees.
  • Strain. A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. People commonly call strains "pulled" muscles. Hamstring and back injuries are among the most common strains.

Treatment for sprains and strains depends on the severity. Many times, you can take care of a sprain or strain on your own.

Symptoms

DS00343

Oct. 18, 2007

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