What Causes Sprains & Strains

When it comes to what causes sprains and/or strains, the cases can vary. Car accidents. Falls. Sports injuries. Overexertion, or repetitive motions. Keep in mind, though, that sprains and strains are caused by different actions, and they affect different areas of the body.
Auto accidents can cause sprains and strains for all involved. A common injury associated with these cases, resulting in neck strains and sprains, is whiplash. In addition, most patients involved in auto accidents experience muscle pain and soreness, which can worsen over time if not treated.
Sports injuries are another type of cause for sprains and strains. Athletes and other active individuals are aware of their chances of being injured, of experiencing sprains and strains, due to the amount of time spent engaged in sports. Cases of a sprained ankle, or a strained muscle, are commonplace because of overexertion, falls or hits, and even poor or improper conditioning. To prevent this from happening often, active patients should remember to warm up beforehand, along with not overdoing it and lifting with their legs. Another helpful action would be to stretch before and after exercising.
In general, work and any repetitive movement/action can cause sprains and strains. A patient doesn’t have to play a sport, or get involved in an auto accident, to suffer a sprain or strain. Any repetitive motion from a job or hobby can cause a muscle strain. Falling or twisting in the wrong direction can lead to sprains and strains, as well. These injuries are unavoidable; however, there are ways to decrease the likelihood of suffering from sprains and strains.
Are There Common Areas on the Body for Sprains/Strains?
Depending on what area is affected, sprains and strains are common in certain parts of the body. The problem is, though, both conditions have similar symptoms, which can cause confusion as to what exactly the patient is dealing with.
The most common areas that are sprained are ankles, knees, wrists, and fingers. This is typically due to a fall, or if these joints are twisted suddenly. While some sprains heal with time, and ice, others may not. Remember, a sprain is associated with any trauma to a ligament; with enough stretching or tearing, the affected ligament, in addition to the affected joint, can make it almost impossible to move effectively.
In contrast, strains are typically associated with pain in the back, shoulder, and hamstring. These areas are affected by overexertion or repetitive movement. Several examples include lifting very heavy items, playing sports, work, and performing a highly intensive exercise routine. Posture does play a role in everyday activities, so patients may need to evaluate how they are sitting/ standing at work, when lifting objects, or when playing their favorite sports.