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#2 (permalink) Sat Jan 13, 2007 13:04 pm sprained OR strained (knee) |
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Hi Tamara
To me, a 'strain' can be an injury that is a result of overuse, misuse or repetitive use. We also talk about "eye strain", for example.
As your dictionary stated, I would consider a 'sprain' to be the result of a (one!) sudden and extreme (and/or unusual) bending of a joint. I do not think it's possible to "sprain your eye".
But, then again, I'm not a medical expert. ;)
Amy _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
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#3 (permalink) Sat Jan 13, 2007 13:56 pm sprained OR strained (knee) |
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. -- So let's try a medical dictionary:
What Is the Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament--a stretching or a tearing. One or more ligaments can be injured during a sprain. The severity of the injury will depend on the extent of injury to a single ligament (whether the tear is partial or complete) and the number of ligaments involved.
A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or it can result in a partial or complete tear. . _________________ Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's |
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Mister Micawber Language Coach
Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 13015
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#4 (permalink) Sat Jan 13, 2007 14:07 pm sprained OR strained (knee) |
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Thank you, Amy and Mister Micawber.
| Quote: |
| A sprain is an injury to a ligament--a stretching |
| Quote: |
| a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or a tendon |
OK. (Even though I, with my language level, cannot clearly distinguish 'stretching' and 'overstretching', and 'ligament' and 'tendon'... :))
Now I have better undestanding of the difference - thank Amy's example with 'eyes'. ...but can I (or anyone else) still have 'sprained brains? look/view'? :)) _________________ It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water… |
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Tamara I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 1577 Location: UK
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#5 (permalink) Sat Jan 13, 2007 14:39 pm sprained OR strained (knee) |
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:lol: There's also "brain drain"...
Mr Mic has given us a fundamental difference: injury of ligaments vs injury of muscles and/or tendons. . _________________ "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee I'm a Communicator ;-)

Joined: 16 Apr 2006 Posts: 8316 Location: USA
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#6 (permalink) Sat Jan 13, 2007 15:13 pm sprained OR strained (knee) |
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A strain is exactly what it sounds like: a muscle that has been stretched too far. It's common for people to strain the muscles in their backs, necks, or legs, whereas a sprain happens when those ligaments have been overstretched (mild sprain) or torn (severe sprain). Ankles, wrists, and knees sprain easily. Strains are not as serious as sprains. A strain is pain in the muscle, it may start to hurt immediately or several hours later.A sprain will probably start to hurt right away. |
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Sultano I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 191
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