Signs and symptoms
... Sprains and strains vary in severity. Signs and symptoms depend on the severity of the injury. Sprains Sprains can cause rapid swelling. Generally, the greater the pain and swelling, the more severe t...

Causes
... Sprains and strains occur commonly, and most result in minor injuries. A muscle becomes strained or pulled — or may even tear — when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. This type of in...

Risk factors
... Factors contributing to sprains and strains include: Poor conditioning. Lack of conditioning can leave your muscles weak and more likely to sustain injury. Fatigue. Tired muscles are less likely to pr...

When to seek medical advice
... For a sprain, seek emergency medical care in the following situations: Popping sound. You may hear a popping sound when your joint is injured, and you can''t use it or you have considerable swelling. ...

Screening and diagnosis
... With both sprains and strains, the discomfort in the area is the key to diagnosis. Examination may reveal swelling, bleeding in the joint or muscle, and tenderness. Your doctor may order an X-ray to ...