A sprain is a wrenching or twisting injury or tear to a ligament. Sprains often affect the ankles, knees, or wrists.
What is a strain?
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, and is often caused by overuse, force, or stretching. What are the symptoms of a sprain or strain?
The following are the most common symptoms of a sprain or strain. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
• pain in the injured area (The child typically may guard or protect this area from being touched or looked at.) • swelling in the injured area • difficulty using or moving the injured area in a normal manner (The child may have limited use or may not use the injured area at all. The child may walk with a limp if the injury occurred in the hip, leg, ankle, or foot area.) • warmth, bruising, or redness in the injured area The symptoms of a sprain or strain may resemble other conditions. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis. Treatment for sprains or strains:
Specific treatment for a sprain or strain will be determined by your child's physician based on:
• your child's age, overall health, and medical history • extent of the injury • child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies • expectations for the course of the injury • your opinion or preference
