What are sprains and strains?

Also known as: ankle sprain, ankle strain, wrist sprain, wrist strain, knee sprain, knee strain.

Sprains and strains are two related but slightly different injuries. If the ligaments, which are bands of tissue that connect the bones in a joint get stretched or torn, this is a sprain. If a muscle or tendon, which are the bands of tissue that connects muscles to bones get stretched or torn, this is known as a strain.

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Reviewed by: Annie L Casta, MD

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM