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.
Photo of a woman performing yoga balance exercises.
Proprioception Exercises Can Help Prevent Ankle Sprains
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
Jogger checking if his ankle is broken or twisted
Why You Shouldn't Do RICE for Sprains
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
A man stretching his hamstrings in the Gym
How to Treat a Pulled or Torn Hamstring Muscle
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
Young man holding ice pack on ankle
How to Recognize and Manage an Ankle Sprain
Medically reviewed by Miho J. Tanaka, MD
Ice on a knee injury
Is Ice or Heat Better to Treat an Injury?
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
Man on the beach holding his hamstring
How to Treat 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
Everything You Need to Know About Costochondritis
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
injury
How the RICE Method Can Help Your Injuries
Medically reviewed by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D.
high ankle sprain
What Is That Pain Just Above Your Ankle Joint?
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
back strain
Strained Lower Back? Relieve the Pain With These Tips
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
calf stretch
The Best Stretches for a Calf Sprain
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
Cramp in calf Typical pain in a jogger`s calf. XXL size image.
Is Your Calf Muscle Pain Just a Strain or Something Else?
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
a woman doing abdominal crunches
Recognizing Pulled Abdominal Muscles Symptoms and Tips on Treatment
Medically reviewed by Erin Pereira, DPT, OCS
a person balancing on a wobble board
Wobble Board Ankle Sprain Exercises Increase Motion, Strengthen Joints
Medically reviewed by Eva Umoh Asomugha, M.D.
calf strain
What You Should Know About Calf Strain
Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT
hamstring pain
What You Should Know About Hamstring Muscle Strains
Medically reviewed by Jason DelCollo, DO
leg cramp
Learn 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.
No More R.I.C.E.for Acute Injuries. Use P.O.L.I.C.E. Instead!
Medically reviewed by Jonathan Cluett, MD
Young woman in bed with neck ache
What Is Whiplash and How Is It Treated?
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
ankle sprain sports
What You Need to Know About Ankle Sprains
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
Fitness woman stretching legs doing pilates leg stretches exercises
Piriformis Syndrome: An Unusual Cause of Pain in the Buttocks
Medically reviewed by Stuart Hershman, MD
Ice on left knee joint
How to Ice Your Injury the Right Way and Reduce Swelling
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DO
Woman holding ice pack on her shoulder
The Top 5 Treatments for Sprains and Strains
Medically reviewed by Miho J. Tanaka, MD