Sprains and Strains

Sprains and Strains

While working out and you experience pain, you might be wondering what type of injury you just had. Soft tissue injuries are most common when you are exercising or performing sports, however, even daily activities can lead to an injury. Strains and sprains are two types of soft tissue injuries that are very common, and that we treat here at Loop Podiatry Foot & Ankle Center in Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL. But, what is the difference between the two?

Sprains

Tearing a ligament in your ankle is known as a sprain. This tends to happen on the outside (lateral) part of your ankle. It's a common injury that happens most during various activities. It does happen in an ankle fracture setting; however, typically it happens in isolation.

Strains

When you tear or stretch your musculotendinous structure (muscle and tendon), it is known as a strain. Strains happen most when you suddenly contract and stretch a muscle in activities like jumping or running. In fact, it is runners who tend to incur this type of injury the most when they strain their hamstrings.

Symptoms and Signs of Sprains/Strains

Common signs and symptoms of sprains/strains include:

• Swelling
• Pain
• Bruising
• Limited affected joint movement
• Muscles Spasms (strains)
• Hearing or feeling a 'pop' in your joint when the injury occurs (sprain)

When you are dealing with pain or other issues with your feet, it can affect your entire well-being making it hard to be productive and manage your daily tasks. Dr. Rager is committed to your good health.

If you feel you might have incurred a sprain or strain, give either our Loop Podiatry Foot & Ankle Center in Chicago, IL a call at (312) 236-9355 or our Oakton Park Medical Center in Skokie, IL a call at (847) 982-9988 to set up an appointment with Dr. Jeff Rager, DPM. 

www.looppodiatrychicago.com