Children who play too hard or who overexert themselves physically may experience a sprain or strain that causes swelling around a joint or muscle. This occurs when a ligament, tendon or muscle is injured.

Muscle sprains and strains differ slightly. Sprains involve a stretching or tearing of ligaments, the bands of fibrous tissue that stabilize joints and connect bones to each other. One or more ligaments can be injured in this process. Quick changes in direction, collisions, and falling and landing awkwardly are common sources of sprains.

Sprains are uncommon in young children because their ligaments tend to be stronger than the bones and cartilage to which ligaments are attached. As a result, a child is more likely to break a bone than to strain a ligament. However, sprains do occur in children, particularly as they get older. For example, a child may sprain an ankle while sliding into a base during softball or sprain a wrist when falling and landing on an outstretched hand while ice-skating. Ankle sprains are the most common injury in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. They usually occur when the foot turns inward suddenly. Wrists and knees are other common areas of sprains.

Strains involve a stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon. Muscle is tissue made up of bundles of specialized cells that contract and produce movement when stimulated by nerve impulses. Tendons are fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscle to bone.

Strains can occur as the result of two types of injury. An acute strain occurs when a muscle suddenly contracts or when a muscle is stretched too far. Children can suffer an acute strain while running, jumping, throwing or lifting a heavy object. A chronic strain occurs as the result of overuse of a muscle over a period of time.

Hamstring and back injuries are common examples of a muscle strain, which is often referred to as a “pulled muscle.” Elbow strains may occur as well, particularly in children who play racquet sports such as tennis or who throw a ball, such as in football or baseball.

Some of the differences between sprains and strains are as follows:

In cases of minor sprains or strains, parents may be able to treat the child with basic therapy measures. However, more significant injuries may require professional medical attention. In addition, parents should never move any child who has suffered an injury to the neck or back, because movement can cause serious nerve damage and possible paralysis. Children with these injuries must be immobilized before they are moved, and this is best left to medical professionals.

Sprains and strains both result from pushing the body too far beyond its natural limits of flexibility and range of motion. Children who play certain sports are at increased risk of sprains and strains. These include football, basketball, soccer, baseball or softball, gymnastics, wrestling, cheerleading, track and field, and hockey. Despite the increased risk, experts generally agree that the physical and social benefits of participating in sports usually outweigh the risks associated with these activities.