Sprains and Strains

Sprains are ligament injuries while strains are muscle injuries, though they can both be painful. Learn the best ways to treat both in order to ensure a fast and safe recovery.
Young man holding ice pack on ankle
Ankle Sprain: Overview and More
Medically reviewed by Miho J. Tanaka, MD
Ice on a knee injury
Choosing Ice or Heat Application to Treat Injury
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
Man on the beach holding his hamstring
Treatments of a Pulled Muscle
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Woman holding her hurt ankle at a race.
The Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
rib pain
Costochondritis: Prevalence, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
injury
Sprain and Strain Muscle and Ligament Injuries
By Jonathan Cluett, MD
high ankle sprain
How a High Ankle Sprain Is Treated
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
back strain
Low Back Strain - Treatment of Back Muscle Injuries
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
calf stretch
Stretching Exercises for a Calf Strain
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
Cramp in calf Typical pain in a jogger`s calf. XXL size image.
Is Your Calf Muscle Pain a Strain or Something Else?
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
a woman doing abdominal crunches
Pulled Abdominal Muscle Symptoms and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, DPT, OCS
a person balancing on a wobble board
Wobble Board Ankle Sprain Exercises Strengthen Joints
Medically reviewed by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D.
calf strain
Calf Strain and Muscle Spasm of the Leg
Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT
hamstring pain
Pulled Hamstring Is a Muscle Strain Injury of the Thigh
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
leg cramp
How to Treat and Prevent Leg Cramps
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
Proper treatment of acute injuries may include the P.O.L.I.C.E. principle.
The P.O.L.I.C.E. Principle for Acute Sprains and Strains
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
Young woman in bed with neck ache
Whiplash Causes and Treatments
By Jonathan Cluett, MD
ankle sprain sports
Ankle Sprain - Diagnosis and Treatment of Twisted Ankles
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
piriformis
Piriformis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
By Jonathan Cluett, MD
Ice on left knee joint
How to Properly Ice an Injury
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Woman holding ice pack on her shoulder
5 Sprain and Strain Treatments With the RICE Method
By Jonathan Cluett, MD