What Is An Ankle Sprain VS Strain? | Learn To Tell The Difference Like a Pro

One of the most common questions I get is “what is an ankle sprain vs strain?” It’s common to confuse them, especially with how they are spelled. Plus, they’re two of the most common ankle injuries.

In a nutshell, a sprain means some form of damage to a ligament. Whereas a strain pertains to a muscle or tendon tear.

You’ll learn about each one below, as well as how to tell the difference between them. Here are the topics covered, click on them to easily navigate through the article:

• How sprain occurs
• How does a strain happen
• 4 main differences
• Treatment options
• FAQs

How does a sprained ankle occur?

Most sprains occur when you unexpectedly and forcefully exceed the range of motion available in your ankle. This may happen from a misstep or a bad fall.

This in turn can damage your ligaments. These are tissues that restrict movement and keep the joint stabilized.

The level of damage can range from an overstretched ligament – i.e. mild sprains – to a complete tear.

Our ankle might arguably be the most commonly sprained joint in the body. Data shows that daily, there’s 1 ankle sprain per 10,000 people. (1)

Further reading: Ankle sprains – the complete guide.

How do ankle strains occur?

Ankle strains usually affect the calf muscle and can happen in two ways.

The first is when the muscle is stretched more than it’s capable of. This is often a result of a forceful movement from your foot.

The second is when the muscle is fatigued. In this state, it absorbs less energy compared to normal, reducing its tolerance to stretching. This ultimately makes it prone to strains. (2)

The type of strain will depend on how badly you pulled your muscle. As with sprains, the classification ranges from mild to severe.

How do you know if your ankle is sprained or strained?

These two common soft tissue injuries have identifiable symptoms, such as:

1) A distinct moment during your injury

For sprains, the distinct moment can be twisting your ankle forcefully and an audible pop in the area. The sound may not be present with a mild sprain, though.

For an ankle strain, the distinct moment can be a dull ache at the back of your calf muscles. But if it’s severe, you might also feel an audible pop on your heel, followed by a feeling of getting hit on your calf. (3)

If that happens, please head to the nearest hospital to get your ankle checked.

2) Location of pain, swelling, and bruising

A sprained ankle can be felt either on the outer, inner, and/or frontal side of your ankle. In contrast, the symptoms from a strained ankle will likely be felt right on your calf muscles.

3) Limited range of ankle motion

In ankle sprains, you’ll have difficulty moving your foot to the opposite side of the injury. For example, if you had an outer ankle sprain, it will be painful to point your foot inwards.

For an ankle strain, you’ll likely have the hardest time pointing your foot upwards.

4) Muscle spasms

Muscle spasms, or cramps, are when your muscles are constantly tightening or contracting involuntarily. (4)

This can also happen after a strain, right on your calf muscles. But it’s not as commonly seen in sprained ankles.

Treatment options for ankle sprains and strains

RICE therapy

RICE therapy is a useful first-aid treatment for soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains. It’s an acronym for (5):

• Rest, to avoid unnecessary stress on your injured ligaments/muscles.
• Ice, to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Compression, to reduce swelling.
• Elevation, to limit bleeding and swelling.

This can help: How to apply ice the right way.

2) Pain medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids are two common pain medications that can help ease your symptoms.

The former works by limiting enzymes from producing inflammation. (6) While the latter blocks pain signals from reaching your brain. (7)

3) Wrap your ankle or calf

This can promote healing by reducing symptoms and increasing stability. Now, there are three types of materials commonly used for ankle injuries (8):

• Elastic bandage – can provide some support and swelling reduction.
• Athletic tape – helpful in restricting excess motion.
• Kinesio tape – to enhance your ankle’s sense of balance to possibly avoid further injury.

Try this: How to wrap an ankle sprain?

4) Ankle exercises

Exercises, if done consistently, play a key role in building up your strength and durability. You just have to make sure your symptoms have settled to avoid mishaps and flare-ups.

Check this out: The 12 exercises you need to heal your sprain.

5) Physical therapy

There are different strategies that a physical therapist can use to help you recover:

• Provide medical advice on what you should and shouldn’t do while you are injured.
• Teach proper form and progression on therapeutic and strengthening exercises.
• Improve your healing potential with thermotherapy and skilled manual treatments.
• Detect and correct poor movement to prevent future sprain or strain.

6) Surgery

There are certain scenarios where orthopaedic surgeons might suggest surgery (9, 10):

• When you have tried and failed all nonsurgical options.
• Chronic strains of about 4 to 6 months with the presence of joint stiffness.
• A completely torn tendon or ligament.
• An ankle bone fracture.

FAQs

Conclusion: Is sprain and strain the same thing?

Sprains and strains may almost be mistakenly pronounced in the same way. But they mean different things.

A sprain implies that you may have damaged your ligaments. In contrast, a strain may mean the injury occurred on your muscle or tendons.

A few home remedies or guidance from your doctor or physical therapist may help you recover quickly from any of them.