Which is worse a sprain or a strain?

Which is worse a sprain or a strain?

One is not technically worse than the other. Strains affect the tendons (an easy way to remember this is sTrains = tendons or muscles), and sprains affect the ligaments. Both tendons and ligaments are connective tissues, and both are measured by severity. You can have a mild sprain or a severe strain, or vice versa.

How do I know if I just sprained my knee?

The following are sprained knee symptoms:

1. Pain around the affected area.
2. Swelling around the sprained section of the knee.
3. Knee instability, leading to your knee buckling under the pressure of your weight.
4. Bruising, moderate to severe, depending on the sprain.
5. A popping sound when the injury occurs.

How long does it take for a strained knee to heal?

For knee sprains or strains, the healing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks. For major injuries as a result of trauma, it can take from 4 up to 12 months. Of course, this healing time would be dependent on the treatment being administered and the lifestyle of the patient. How can I tell if my knee injury is serious?

What is the fastest way to heal a sprained knee?

Continued

1. Ice your knee for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours to lessen the pain and swelling.
2. Compress your knee.
3. Raise your knee on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down.
4. Wear a knee brace to stabilize the knee and protect it from further injury.
5. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers.

Does deep heat help sprains?

If your injury is over 48 hours old Deep Heat may be more suitable to help. Deep Heat provides soothing warmth to bruises and sprains that are older than 48 hours old, giving you relief from your minor injury.

How to tell the difference between a sprain and a strain?

The Medical Definition. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect two joints together,and they’re located in all our joints.

How long does it take to recover from a knee sprain?

It may take just a few days for a slight ankle sprain to heal, or it may take months for a knee injury that requires reconstructive surgery. For most mild to moderate sprains and strains, you can expect to regain full mobility within 3 to 8 weeks. More severe injuries can take months for a full recovery.

How to diagnose and treat a knee sprain?

Tell him or her if you heard a snap or pop when you were injured. Your healthcare provider will check the movement and strength of your knee joint. An x-ray, CT scan or MRI may show the sprain or other damage to your knee . You may be given contrast liquid to help your injury show up better in the pictures.

How do I treat a strained knee?

Apply ice on your knee for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain. Apply compression to your knee as directed. You may need to wear an elastic bandage.