Sprains and strains: Causes
Understand how sprains and strains occur
Knowing the causes of sprains and strains can help you identify these injuries, and therefore guide you to the most appropriate management approach for your patient.
Sprains and strains have specific causes
Soft-tissue injury involves a sprain, strain or direct blow to a muscle, tendon and/or ligament.1,2
- Sprains are caused by abnormal or excessive force applied to a joint1,2
- Strains occur when a muscle is stretched beyond its limit or has contracted too strongly1,2
- Overuse injuries, from repetitive friction, pulling, twisting or compression may also occur1,2
Sport is a common cause of sprains and strains, but not the only one
Soft-tissue injuries are common in sport.3 Muscle strains or overuse injuries account for around 50% of all injuries suffered during sport.4,5
However, these injuries can also occur during simple, everyday activities that could lead to over-stretching, tripping or falling.6
Risk factors for sprains and strains
Understanding sprains and strains
Signs and symptoms
Explore an overview of how to recognise acute sprains and strains and when to refer patients.
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