Sprains and Strains

A sprain is stretching or tearing of a ligament, the tissues that connect bones to other bones.  A strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon. Tendons connect muscles to bones.  There are various degrees or severity of sprains and strains.

Sprains will cause pain at or around the joint involved, whereas strains will cause pain and stiffness in the involved muscle or tendon.