SPRAINS AND STRAINS

The information below is taken from http://www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111

Sprains and strains are among the most common injuries in sports. Here are some facts about sprains and strains from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

 A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the fibrous band of connective tissue that joins the end of one bone with another. Ligaments stabilize and support the body's joints. For example, ligaments in the knee connect the upper leg with the lower leg, enabling people to walk and run.

 A strain is an injury of a muscle and/or tendon. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone.

For more on this topic and other orthopaedic information, please visit the AAOS at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/