Twisted something? How to tell if it’s a sprain or a strain.

The basics: what makes a sprain different from a strain.

Sprains and strains both involve soft tissue injuries, but they happen in different parts of the body.

• A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the tough bands that connect bones at a joint. Sprains happen when ligaments stretch too far or tear. Common spots for sprains include the ankles, wrists and knees.
• A strain affects muscles or tendons, the tissues that help you move your bones. Strains usually happen when a muscle gets pulled or overused. They’re common in the lower back, neck and hamstrings.

In short, a sprain deals with your ligaments and a strain deals with your muscles and tendons.

You can’t always tell which one you’ve got just by the way it feels. That’s where your next steps (and possibly a visit to CityMD) come in.

What does it feel like? Pain, swelling and other telltale signs

Sprains and strains can feel surprisingly similar at first. Both can cause pain, swelling and limited movement. 

But a few key differences can help you figure out what you’re dealing with.

Signs of a sprain.

• Sudden pain around a joint (like your ankle, wrist, or knee)
• Swelling and possible bruising
• A popping or tearing sensation at the moment of injury
• Difficulty moving or putting weight on the joint

Signs of a strain.

• Muscle pain that can build gradually or come on suddenly
• Muscle spasms or cramping
• Swelling or tenderness near the muscle
• Trouble stretching or using the affected area

A sprain is more likely to happen during a fall or awkward movement, while a strain may come from overuse or lifting something too heavy. Still, it’s not always obvious right away. If you're not sure, or the pain isn’t improving, it’s smart to get it checked out.

What heals faster, a sprain or a strain?

In general, mild strains tend to heal faster than sprains, but it depends on how severe the injury is.

A mild muscle strain might start feeling better in just a few days, especially with rest and home care. On the other hand, a more serious sprain can take weeks to heal, especially if the ligament is torn or severely stretched.

Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Mild strain. 1 to 2 weeks
• Moderate strain. 3 to 6 weeks
• Mild sprain. 2 to 4 weeks
• Moderate to severe sprain. 6 weeks or longer

Healing also depends on how well you care for the injury. 

Trying to “push through” the pain or skipping rest can delay recovery. If you’re not sure how bad the injury is or if it's not improving with home care, a visit to CityMD can help you get the right diagnosis and treatment plan, so you can heal faster and avoid long-term issues.

Treating sprains and strains the right way: when to head to urgent care.

Home care can make a big difference for minor sprains and strains, especially in the first 48 hours. 

Most providers recommend the RICE method:

• Rest the injured area
• Ice to reduce swelling (20 minutes at a time)
• Compression with an elastic bandage to support the area
• Elevation to help minimize swelling

You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease discomfort. Just be sure to follow dosing instructions.

But not every injury can wait. You should visit urgent care if:

• You can’t walk or move the joint without pain
• There’s visible swelling or bruising that’s getting worse
• You felt a pop or heard something snap
• The pain isn’t improving after a couple of days
• The injured area looks misshapen or unstable

At CityMD, we can evaluate the injury, order X-rays if needed, and help you start the right treatment plan. Whether it’s a sprain, a strain, or something more serious, we’ll help you heal the right way—no appointment required.

We are one care team with Summit Health, so if you need a specialist, we can connect you with an orthopedist who’s here to help.