How do strains differ from sprains in musculoskeletal injuries?

• A. A strain involves ligament tearing
• B. A strain involves muscle or tendon tearing or overload
• C. A strain involves bone fracture
• D. A strain is a type of bruise

Answer: (B)

Strains involve damage to muscle tissue or its connecting tendon from overstretching or overload. When a muscle or tendon is pushed beyond its capacity, tiny muscle fibers can tear or become overstretched, leading to pain, weakness, and sometimes swelling. Sprains, in contrast, involve ligaments—the bands that connect bones at joints—injured by twisting or wrenching motions, causing stretching or tearing of those ligaments. So the key difference is the tissue affected: muscle/tendon versus ligament. For example, a pulled hamstring is a strain, while an ankle twist causing ligament injury is a sprain. The other options point to ligament tearing, bone fracture, or a bruise, which are different injuries.