We commonly hear of injuries referred to as a strain or a sprain. These two words sound the same but have a different meaning. A strain refers to a muscle or tendon that has been injured. Tendons attach muscles to bones. These injuries heal between 4-8 weeks. A sprain refers to a ligament that has been injured. A ligament attaches bones together and lacks the circulation that is needed for a speedy recovery. Ligaments once stretched do not have contractile fibers and will remain stretched. A sprain will heal between 4-6 months. So although these two words sound the same, the difference can mean a speedy recovery or a long road ahead.
The difference between a strain vs. sprain
