Causes - Symptoms

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Causes
Sprains and strains occur commonly, and most result in minor injuries.

Sprains. A sprain occurs when you overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint. Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another. They help to stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement. You may sprain your knee or ankle when walking or exercising on an uneven surface. A sprain also may occur when you land awkwardly, either at the end of a jump or while pivoting during an athletic activity.

Strains. A muscle becomes strained or pulled — or may even tear — when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. This type of injury — an acute strain — often occurs when muscles suddenly and powerfully contract. A muscle strain may occur when you slip on ice, run, jump, throw, lift a heavy object or lift in an awkward position. A chronic strain results from prolonged, repetitive movement of a muscle.

Sprains and strains vary in severity. Signs and symptoms depend on the severity of the injury.

Sprains
Sprains can cause rapid swelling. Generally, the greater the pain and swelling, the more severe the injury.

Mild. Your ligament stretches excessively or tears slightly. The area is somewhat painful, especially with movement. It's tender. There's not a lot of swelling. You can put weight on the joint.

Moderate. The fibers in your ligament tear, but they don't rupture completely. The joint is tender, painful and difficult to move. The area is swollen and may be discolored from bleeding in the area. You may feel unsteady when you try to bear weight on your joint.

Severe. One or more ligaments tear completely. The area is painful. You can't move your joint normally or put weight on it. If the sprain occurs in the ankle or knee, when you try to walk, your leg feels as if it will give way. The joint becomes very swollen and also can be discolored. The injury may be difficult to distinguish from a fracture or dislocation, which requires medical care.


Strains

As with sprains, signs and symptoms of strains will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs and symptoms include:

Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Bruising

If you have a severe strain, the muscle or tendon is torn apart or ruptured. You may have significant bleeding, swelling and bruising around the muscle, and your muscle may not function at all.