2.  Board-certified in family medicine and urgent
care medicine. Dr. Lamont Tyler has treated
patients at OSF SJMC PromptCare in
Bloomington, Illinois since 2004. Dr. Lamont Tyler
presently serves as the practice's medical
director and treats an array of injuries,
including minor sprains and strains.
A sprain occurs when a ligament, which is the
fibrous tissue connecting bones to one
another, is torn or stretched. A strain, on the
other hand, occurs when a patient tears a
muscle or tendon, which is the connecting
tissue between muscles and bones.

3.  The symptoms of each type of injury often
overlap, as both can cause pain, swelling,
and immobility of the affected area.
Sprains typically occur in the ankle when a
person walks on an uneven surface and
twists the joint. They also often affect the
wrist when a person uses an outstretched
hand to break a fall. Many patients report
hearing a pop or tear when spraining the
ligament.

4.  Like sprains, strains can happen suddenly in the
back or hamstrings, often as a result from
overstressing the muscles when a person plays
sports or lifts heavy objects. Strains can also
develop over time when a muscle is used
repetitively on the job or during a sport such as
golf.
When these injuries are mild, they usually
respond to rest and ice as well as
immobilization of the area with a splint or
brace. More severe injuries may require
physical therapy or even surgery.