Accelerated Healing of Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries that share similar signs and symptoms, but involve different parts of your body.

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments — the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another in your joints. The most common location for a sprain is in your ankle. A strain is a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon, a fibrous cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones. Strains often occur in the lower back and in the hamstring muscle in the back of your thigh.
Initial treatment for both sprains and strains includes rest, ice, compression and elevation. Mild sprains and strains can be successfully treated at home. Severe sprains and strains sometimes require surgery to repair torn ligaments, muscles or tendons.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury.

Sprains

1) Pain
2) Swelling
3) Bruising
4) Limited ability to move the affected joint
6) At the time of injury, you may hear or feel a "pop" in your joint

Strains

1) Pain
2) Swelling
3) Muscle spasms
4) Limited ability to move the affected muscle

Causes

Sprains. A sprain occurs when you overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint. Sprains often occur in the
following circumstances:

1) Ankle. Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
2) Knee. Pivoting during an athletic activity
3) Wrist. Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall
4) Thumb. Skiing or playing racquet sports, such as tennis

Strains

There are two types of strains: Acute and chronic. An acute strain occurs when a muscle becomes strained or pulled — or may even tear — when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. Acute strains often occur in the following ways:

1) Slipping on ice
2) Running, jumping or throwing
3) Lifting a heavy object or lifting in an awkward position

A chronic strain results from prolonged, repetitive movement of a muscle. This may occur on the job or during sports, such as:

1) Gymnastics
2) Tennis
3) Rowing
4) Golf

Western Medicine Treatment

Treating sprains and strains depends on the joint involved and the severity of the injury.

Medications

For mild sprains and strains, your doctor likely will recommend basic self-care measures and an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

Therapy

In cases of a mild or moderate sprain or strain, apply ice to the area as soon as possible to minimize swelling. In cases of severe sprain or strain, your doctor may immobilize the area with a brace or splint.

Surgery

In some cases, such as in the case of a torn ligament or ruptured muscle, surgery may be considered.

Adopted From Mayo Clinic