Falls, car accidents, and other contact sports may lead to different types of injuries to the body, ranging from mild form to severe forms. Sprains and breaks are something people may have experienced during the above events. Differentiating between a break and a sprain is important for proper medical treatment.
The key difference between a break and a sprain is the nature of the injury. A break is a fracture in the bone, while a sprain is a soft tissue injury.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Break
3. What is a Sprain
4. Similarities – Break and Sprain
5. Break vs Sprain in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – Break vs Sprain
7. Summary – Break vs Sprain
What is a Break?
A break is a crack or fracture in the bones. Bone breaks usually result from high-impact forces or stress. However, people with osteoporosis and bone cancer may experience a bone break with very little impact. A break can occur following symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising, discoloured skin around the affected area, protrusion of the affected area at an unusual angle, inability to put weight on the injured area, inability to move the affected area, a grating sensation in the affected bone or joint, bleeding if it is an open fracture, dizziness, and nausea. Bone breaks can occur due to physical trauma, overuse, and health conditions.
Figure 01: An X-ray of a Break
A break can be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray, MRI and CT scan. Furthermore, treatment options for a break include taking pain medications, aligning fractures through casts or braces, metal plates, intramedullary nails or rods, external fixings and surgery.
What is a Sprain?
Sprains are common soft tissue injuries. A sprain is an injury that occurs when one of the ligaments is stretched or torn. The symptoms of sprains include pain, swelling, bruising or discolouration, instability and reduced range of motion. A sprain can be caused by sports injuries, falls, slipping and catching suddenly, rolling an ankle or twisting a knee while walking, running or jumping and repetitive strain injuries.
Figure 02: An Ankle Sprain
Sprains can be diagnosed through physical examination, X-ray, ultrasound, and MRI. Furthermore, treatment options for sprains may include resting, keeping ice, compression, taking NSAIDs, elevation, using a brace or splint, walking boots, crutches, physical therapy, and surgery.
Similarities Between a Break and a Sprain
- A break and a sprain are two different types of injuries.
- Both can cause pain.
- They can be diagnosed through physical examination and imaging testing.
- They can be treated through taking pain medications, physical therapy, and surgeries.
Difference Between a Break and a Sprain
Definition
- A break is defined as a crack or fracture in the bones.
- A sprain is an injury that occurs when one of the ligaments is stretched or torn.
Causes
- Bone breaks can occur due to physical trauma, overuse, and various health conditions.
- On the other hand, sprains can be caused by sports injuries, falls, sudden slips or catches, rolling an ankle or twisting a knee while walking, running, or jumping, and repetitive strain injuries.
Symptoms
- Symptoms of a bone break may include pain, swelling, bruising, discolored skin around the affected area, protrusion of the affected area at an unusual angle, inability to put weight on the injured area, inability to move the affected area, a grating sensation in the affected bone or joint, bleeding (if it is an open fracture), as well as dizziness, faintness, and nausea.
- Symptoms of a sprain typically include pain, swelling, bruising or discoloration, instability, and reduced range of motion.
Treatment
- Treatment for a bone break may include taking pain medications, aligning the fracture through casts or braces, the use of metal plates, intramedullary nails or rods, external fixings, and in severe cases, surgery.
- For a sprain, treatment often involves resting, applying ice, compression, taking NSAIDs, elevation, using a brace or splint, using a walking boot or crutches, undergoing physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary.
The infographic below presents the difference between a break and a sprain in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Break vs Sprain
A break and a sprain are two different types of injuries happening to the body. A break is a crack or fracture in the bones, while a sprain is an injury that occurs when one of the ligaments is stretched or torn. Furthermore, bone breaks can occur due to physical trauma, overuse, and health conditions, whereas sprains can be caused by sports injuries, falls, slipping and catching suddenly, rolling an ankle or twisting a knee while walking, running or jumping, and repetitive strain injuries. Thus, this summarizes the difference between a break and a sprain.
FAQ: Break and Sprain
1. What is the first aid treatment for a break?
- Apply pressure to the wound with a sterile bandage, clean cloth, or piece of clothing. Additionally, immobilize the injured area and seek advice from a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
2. How can one differentiate between a break and a sprain?
- If applying light pressure over a bone causes significant pain, the injury is likely a break or fracture. A sprain typically only causes pain, while a break or fracture may also result in tingling or numbness.
3. Do breaks heal faster than sprains?
- A broken ankle is a more severe injury than a sprained ankle. A clean break that doesn’t require surgery takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks to heal, while recovery may take longer if surgery is necessary. A minor ankle sprain typically heals within 2 weeks.
4. Can a sprain develop into a break?
- A sprain can progress to a break without proper care, making it essential to follow up with a doctor regardless. The ankle is the most common area of the body affected by sprains that can potentially lead to a break.
Reference:
1. “Fractures: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International.
2. “What Is a Sprain?” Cleveland Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Fracture Bone Xray Skeleton Free Photo” (CC0) via NeedPix
2. “Ankle Sprain” By Injurymap – InjuryMap – Free Human Anatomy Images and Pictures. (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia