Sprains and Strains

Our Local Knoxville Chiropractor helps you Understand Sprains and Strains

Two of the most common types of musculoskeletal injury, sprains, and strains are injuries which appear similar with respect to symptoms but which affect different parts of the body. Understanding the difference between the two is paramount to understanding your treatment and ultimately getting well. If you suspect you have a sprain or strain, our chiropractor can diagnose your injury and work with you to devise a pain management and treatment plan in order to heal properly.

Woman twisted her ankle on a run.

Difference between Sprains and Strains

  • A sprain most commonly affects the ankles, but can affect any joint, and describes the injury which occurs when ligaments (bands of tough, fibrous tissue which connect two bones in a joint) stretch beyond their normal range of motion or tear. Sprains often happen during sports and falls.
  • A strain most commonly suffered in the lower back and hamstring, describes when muscles or tendons (the tissue which connects your muscles to your bones) tears or stretches beyond a normal range of motion. Strains often occur during athletic activities, slipping on the ice, or when lifting heavy objects.

What are the symptoms of sprains and strains?

The symptoms of sprains and strains often vary greatly due to the severity of the injury. They share similar symptoms, with a few differences. The severity, type, and the location of your symptoms will help our chiropractor diagnose and treat your injury. 

  • Sprains often cause pain; bruising, swelling, limited mobility in the injured joint, and patients might either have heard a "pop" or felt a popping sensation at the time of injury.
  • Strains similarly cause pain, bruising, and swelling. With a strain, mobility will be limited in the affected muscle, rather than a joint and injury will occur without the sprain's tell-tale popping sensation or sound. 

Sprain and Strain Treatment at West Knoxville Medical and Chiropractic

Minor sprains and strains can sometimes be effectively treated at home by elevating and icing the affected area to reduce swelling. Limited use is also advised. If you believe you have strained a muscle or tendon or sprained a ligament, we advise you to seek treatment at West Knoxville Medical and Chiropractic right away. Even if you believe the injury to be the only minor, a professional diagnosis will help prevent you from worsening the injury or improperly treating it from home. 

Our chiropractor, Dr. Nathan Leavitt will determine whether you have incurred a sprain or a strain and help you to devise a treatment plan. Our chiropractor might recommend bracing or splinting the injury to reduce further injury through improper mobilization. We will also guide you through the recovery process to ensure proper healing and pain management. 

Schedule an Appointment at Our Knoxville, TN Clinic Today!

If you believe you have a sprain or strain, we encourage you to contact our chiropractic clinic in Knoxville, TN at (865) 287-5904 to schedule an appointment with our chiropractor for diagnosis, pain relief, and treatment. 

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Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Thursday:

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