Sprain Vs. Tear: Know the Difference
Although they are similar injuries, sprains and tears are not the same, while many people mistakenly use them interchangeably. Discover more about these typical sports injuries and how to spot them by reading this article.
We all had an ankle twist at some point, which caused swollen ankles and varying pain levels.
Although most of us would classify this as an ankle sprain, an ankle ligament tear is also possible. Sprains and ligament tears are two distinct conditions that call for two different approaches to treatment.
Understanding the distinction between a sprain and a ligament tear is therefore crucial.
Ligaments, which connect bones at joints, are bands of fibrous tissue. A ligament tear is essentially a ruptured ligament, whereas a sprain is a stretch in a ligament.
The main distinction is that a tear denotes a ruptured ligament, whereas a sprain only refers to a stretch in the ligament. Ankle sprains are the most prevalent type of sprain, and knee and ankle ligament tears are the most prevalent types of ligament damage.
If you have suffered a ligament tear, sprain, or any other injury to your bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments,you should consult one of the best orthopedic doctors in India, like Dr. Sandeep Singh. He is one of the best ortho doctor ligament damage.
He can effectively diagnose and treat your pain and also prevent further complications. Therefore, as soon as you notice a ligament injury, visit a specialist immediately to avoid letting the pain rule your life.
Moreover, Dr. Sandeep Singh specializes in trauma, elective joint replacement, and sports injury surgeries. Most of his patients, who travel from all over Odisha, choose him as their orthopedic surgeon because of his wealth of experience.
In addition to providing patients with sports injuries and lower limb disorders with a comprehensive, high-quality orthopedic solution, he is regarded as one of the best orthopedist in Bhubaneswar. He aims to help patients recover quickly and return to full function as soon as possible.
In this article, we will know the difference between sprain and ligament tears, their symptoms, treatment, and recovery.
Let’s know,
What is a Sprain?
A sprain happens when a ligament is overextended or torn as a result of falling, a joint twisting, or being hit by something. Ligaments are the fibrous connective tissue that connects one bone to another, with ligaments typically stabilizing joints by holding them together.
According to the severity of the injury, sprains typically take a few days to several weeks to heal.
Sprains come in various severity levels:
- Mild sprain: Stretching of the injured ligament. The joint is still stable, though.
- Moderate sprain: It occurs when a ligament is partially torn but still attached to the bone. Because of this, the joint is unstable.
- Severe sprain: It occurs when a ligament is completely torn or detached from the bone.
Symptoms of a Sprain
Typical signs and symptoms of a sprain could include:
- when injured, you may experience a “pop” in your joint
- localized pain
- inflammation and swelling
- bruising
- reduced range of motion
What is a Tear?
Severe tendon and muscle tears may take several months to heal, whereas minor tears may require a few weeks. Minor tears may heal with rest and physiotherapy, but some may need surgery.
Symptoms of Tear
Some typical signs and symptoms of a tear include:
- sudden and intense pain
- popping sound at the time of injury
- experiencing a loose joint
- being unable to put weight on the injured area
- instant bruising
- inflexibility of the injured joint
Treatment and Recovery
- Rest, ice packs, an elastic bandage, and keeping the injured area elevated are the best ways to treat a sprain.
- If you adhere to these recommendations, a sprain may recover quickly, and you can fully use the injured area in two to four weeks. However, if a ligament tear is severe or the area hasn’t healed even after a considerable amount of time, surgery may be necessary.
- For instance, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury necessitates ACL reconstruction surgery. Before you can fully use the injured area after a ligament tear, the recovery period lasts between three and six months.
Dr. Sandeep Singh believes quality medical care results from mutual respect, trust, and understanding. Contact us at 8658044823 to find out more about our orthopedic services or to make an appointment.
