What Is the Difference Between Muscle Strain and Sprain?
Many people aren’t familiar with the difference between a muscle strain and sprain, and the two often get mixed up. Sprains and strains affect different parts of your body and require slightly different care.
A sprain happens when ligaments—the tough bands of tissue that connect bones—are stretched or, in serious cases, torn. This usually occurs after a sudden twist, awkward landing, or impact. If you’re dealing with swelling, bruising, and joint instability, chances are you’ve got a sprain1.
A muscle strain, on the other hand, happens when muscle fibers are stretched or torn, usually due to sudden movements, excessive force, or overuse. Symptoms include pain, swelling, muscle weakness, and limited mobility in the affected area.2.
How To Identify a Muscle Sprain vs. Strain
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Here’s how to spot the difference between a muscle strain and sprain so you can take the right steps toward recovery.
How Icy Hot® Delivers the Relief Your Muscle Sprains and Strains Need
So, you’ve got a muscle sprain or strain. Now what? Recovery isn’t necessarily fun, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 3 steps to get you off the sidelines and back in the game:
Step 1: Bring on the Icy Hot®
Your first step? Feel the power of Icy Hot®’s contrast therapy*. The menthol in Icy Hot® delivers penetrating pain relief with a cooling sensation, targeting the source of pain and dulling the area on contact for fast relief.
Then comes the heat—menthol’s warming effect increases blood flow where applied, helping to relax muscles and relax the pain away.
Step 2: Try Gentle Stretches and Strengthening
Once the pain and swelling subside, ease back with light stretching to restore flexibility and prevent stiffness. Gradually add strength exercises to support your injured muscles and joints to support your recovery.3 Remember that steady progress is key, so start slow and build up as tolerated.
Step 3: Consult a Doctor and Consider Physical Therapy for Severe Sprains
If your sprain feels more serious than a minor tweak or you are experiencing symptoms like numbness, tingling, intolerable pain, or can't bear weight, consult a doctor who can advise on the best course of treatment. They may recommend getting help from a physical therapist who can guide you through tailored exercises to restore full movement and strength safely.
How Icy Hot® Delivers the Relief Your Muscles Need
When muscle pain from a strain or sprain hits, count on Icy Hot®. Unlike other OTC pain relievers that offer just one sensation, Icy Hot® delivers contrast therapy*: ice works fast, heat makes it last™.
Icy Hot® offers a full range of products designed to target pain whenever and wherever it strikes. Whether you prefer Icy Hot® No Mess, Icy Hot® Original Back Patch, Icy Hot® PRO Massaging Balm, or something else, enjoy pain relief you can feel working instantly.
Here’s how Icy Hot® No Mess compares to Biofreeze® Pain Relief Roll-On:
*Per oz., Icy Hot® No Mess (16% menthol) vs. Biofreeze® Roll-On (4% menthol)
Muscle sprains don’t wait to take you off your feet; your relief shouldn’t wait either. Icy Hot® is powered by contrast therapy*—ice works fast, heat makes it last™—so you can get back to doing what you love.
*Refers to cooling and warming sensations
1) Mayo Clinic. (2023, May 17). Sprains. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains/symptoms-causes/syc-20377938
2) Mayo Clinic. (2022, December 28). Muscle strains. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-strains/symptoms-causes/syc-20450507
3) Maffulli, N., Oliva, F., Frizziero, A., Nanni, G., Barazzuol, M., Via, A. G., Ramponi, C., Brancaccio, P., Lisitano, G., Rizzo, D., Freschi, M., Galletti, S., Melegati, G., Pasta, G., Testa, V., Valent, A., & Del Buono, A. (2014). ISMuLT Guidelines for muscle injuries. Muscles, ligaments and tendons journal, 3(4), 241–249. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3940495/
