Strains and sprains are classified into three separate categories based on their level of severity. These three levels of classifications include:
 
Grade 1 (Mild)
The tissue(s) have become stretched, you may begin to notice the following:
 
– Swelling occurring slightly
– Some loss of range of motion and strength (very mild – still able to move in various directions)
– Stability it still normal
 
Grade 2 (Moderate)
The tissue(s) have become stretched and there may be some tearing also involved, you may begin to notice the following:
 
– Moderate swell that can get to the size of a baseball
– Bruising
– Moderate loss of motion and strength
– Stability has decreased slightly
 
Grade 3 (Severe)
Most severe of all the grades, this is where the tissue(s) have been completely torn, you may begin to notice the following:
 
– Severe swelling and bruising
– Almost all loss of range of motion and strength is gone
– Severe decrease in stability

The main difference that you will notice between a sprain and a strain is a sprain will show more bruising around the affected joint, while a strain will start having spasms within the affected muscle.
 
A sprain can be overstretched or even tear the ligaments. Ligaments are bands of tissues that connect the two bones together within a joint. The most common location a sprain often occurs is within the ankle joint.
 
A strain can be overstretched or even tear the muscles or tendons. The tendons are the dense fibrous cords of tissue that connect the bones to the muscles. The most common location for a muscle strain to occur are within the hamstring muscle, as well as the lower back.
 
Often sprains and strains showcase common symptoms, that is due to the injuries being quite similar themselves. Common symptoms of both a strain and sprain include:
 
Symptoms of Sprains:

– Bruising
– Pain surrounding the affected joint
– Swelling
– Issues using the joint’s full range of motion
– Reduced flexibility

Symptoms of Strains:

– Spasms within the muscle
– Pain surrounding the affected joint
– Swelling
– Issues using the joint’s full range of motion
– Reduced flexibility

Injuries are always a possibility when it comes to playing sports, especially ones that have contact. While you can take precautionary measures by using proper equipment and techniques within each sport to try to prevent injury, it is not always a guarantee you won’t get injured.

The most common strains and sprains that occur within a sport include:

Hip Flexor Strain
Hip flexor muscles are located on the front of the upper thighs. You most often use these muscles to raise the knees to flex your leg out away from the body and back in. If you tend to sit a lot at work, you will most often have weak hip flexor muscles, which will leave you with weak hip flexor muscles, and can leave you with a higher risk of injury.

ACL Injury
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL for short) is a ligament that provides the most for knee stabilization. If you end up making a sudden change within your movements by either speeding up or slowing down, you could strain the ligament.
 
Strained groin
Your groin muscles which are located along the inside of the upper thighs help you to move your legs together as well as apart. If you are not flexible and end up making a quick side-to-side movement, you may strain your groin muscles.
 
Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
Your shoulders and elbows will always run the risk of injury if you overuse them during a sport. If you fall, you will often brace yourself for impact with your arms, this can tear muscles and strain ligaments due to the sudden impact and pressure caused by the fall.

Ankle sprain
Ankle sprains most often occur when the foot ends up turning inwards when you run, turn, or even land on the ankle after a jump.
 
Knee sprain
Knee sprains will most likely occur after a blow to the knee due to a fall or something else.
 
Wrist sprain
Wrist sprains most often occur when you fall and land on an outstretched hand to stop you from the fall.

Absolutely we do! At Olivero Pediatrics, we understand kids just want to have fun and enjoy their free time! However, sometimes things can happen, including injuries. At Olivero Pediatrics, we are here to take care of your loved ones when they hurt themselves through a strain or sprain. We are conveniently located at 1243 Skytop Mountain Rd. Suite 4, Port Matilda, PA 16870. For more information, please call us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Port Matilda PA, Waddle, PA, Julian PA, State College PA, Bellefonte PA, Pennsylvania Furnace PA, and Pine Grove Mills PA.