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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Sprains
A sprain occurs when you overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint. Sprains often occur in the following circumstances:
- Ankle. Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
- Knee. Pivoting during an athletic activity
- Wrist. Landing on an outstretched hand during a fall
- Thumb. Skiing or playing racquet sports, such as tennis
Strains
There are two types of strains: Acute and chronic. An acute strain occurs when a muscle becomes strained or pulled — or may even tear — when it stretches unusually far or abruptly. Acute strains often occur in the following ways:
- Slipping on ice
- Running, jumping or throwing
- Lifting a heavy object or lifting in an awkward position
A chronic strain results from prolonged, repetitive movement of a muscle. This may occur on the job or during sports, such as:
- Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Rowing
- Golf
- Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp. Accessed July 28, 2009.
- Activity health tip #2: Sprains, strains and contusions. National Athletic Trainers' Association. http://www.nata.org/consumer/sprainsandstrains.htm. Accessed July 28, 2009.
- Sprains and strains: What's the difference? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111. Accessed July 29, 2009.
- El Abd O. Low back strain or sprain. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151967914-3/868577610/1678/47.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50046-8_717. Accessed July 29, 2009.
- Geiderman JM. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151967914-3/868577610/1365/118.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50051-2--cesec59_1711. Accessed July 29, 2009.
