Strains and sprains are something that most people will experience at least once in their lives. However, it isn’t always clear whether an injury is a strain or a sprain, or even what you should do to treat it. Take our quiz on strains and sprains and find out how to tell the difference, how to treat, and even how to prevent them.
1. Which of the following is the definition of a strain, also called a pulled muscle?
A. An injury to a muscle and/or tendon; tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that attach muscles to bone.
B. The crushing of underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin.
C. Damage to the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports every organ, muscle, nerve, bone, and blood vessel in the body.
D. None of the above
2. Which of the following is NOT one of the areas of the body that are most vulnerable to strains?
A. Back
B. Arms
C. Neck
D. Leg, typically, the hamstring
3. Which of the following is the definition of a sprain?
A. When a blow crushes the underlying muscle fibers and connective tissue without breaking the skin.
B. A partial or complete fracture in a bone.
C. A stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the strong band of connective tissue that connects the end of one bone with another bone.
D. All of the above
4. Which of the following is NOT one of the areas of the body that are most vulnerable to sprains?
A. Ankles
B. Shoulders
C. Knees
D. Wrists
5. True or false? The initial treatment for both a strain and a sprain is RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
6. Which of the following are symptoms of a strain?
A. Pain or tenderness
B. Swelling, redness, or bruising
C. Limited motion
D. Muscle spasms and/or muscle weakness
E. All of the above
7. Which of the following are symptoms of a sprain?
A. Pain
B. Swelling and/or bruising
C. Limited ability to move the affected joint
D. Hearing or feeling a “pop” in your joint at the time of injury.
E. All of the above
8. Which of the following are risk factors that make it more likely you will suffer a strain or sprain?
A. Participating in contact sports — such as soccer, football, hockey, boxing and wrestling — or sports that feature quick starts and jumping, gripping sports, throwing sports, and racquet sports
B. Working or exercising on uneven ground
C. Wearing worn or broken gear, such as worn-out running shoes
D. Working at a job or having a hobby with the same repetitive movement
E. All of the above
9. Which of the following is NOT a way to prevent strains and sprains?
A. Warm up before being active, stretch, and cool down afterward.
B. Drink water. Have a drink of water every 20 minutes or so while you exercise.
C. Be a “Weekend Warrior” and go really hard during the weekends.
D. Aim for balanced fitness—cardio, strength training, and flexibility—and get at least 30 minutes a day.
E. Rest when needed.
10. Which of the following are examples of when you should see a doctor for a strain or a sprain because some severe strains or sprains require surgical intervention?
A. If you can’t move or bear weight on the affected area.
B. If you have pain directly over the bones of an injured area.
C. If you have numbness in any part of the injured area.
D. If your symptoms worsen despite treatment, your pain becomes intolerable, or you experience numbness or tingling.
E. All of the above
Compiled by ERIKA ALDRICH / Information from The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and The Mayo Clinic
ANSWERS
- A. An injury to a muscle and/or tendon
- B. Arms. The rest are areas most prone to strains.
- C. A stretch and/or tear of a ligament
- B. Shoulders. The rest are areas most prone to sprains.
- True
- E. All of the above
- E. All of the above
- E. All of the above
- C. Being a “Weekend Warrior;” all the rest are ways to help prevent strains and sprains.
- E. All of the above