Sprains, Strains, Breaks: What’s the Difference?

If you've sprained your ankle, you know what severe pain is.

But maybe that sprain was a strain or possibly even a break.

The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal. So, oftentimes the only way to find out what you have is to see a healthcare provider.

Just the facts

Here are some facts on musculoskeletal injuries:

Sprains are a stretch or tear of a ligament, the tissue connecting 2 bones. Ligaments stabilize and support the body's joints. For example, ligaments in the knee connect the upper leg with the lower leg. This lets you walk and run.
Strains are a twist, pull, or tear of a muscle and sometimes a tendon. Tendons are cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones.
Breaks are a fracture, chip, or complete break in bone, often caused by accidents, sports injuries, or bone weakness.

To learn more about our Sports Medicine practice, visit: UTHealthCare.org/SportsMedicine or to make an appointment, call 210-567-7678.

Online Medical Reviewer: L Renee Watson MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C

Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2023