Sports Injuries Muscles, bones, ligaments and tendons of the skeletal system are more susceptible to damage from injury than most other parts or systems of the body. In a strain or sprain, the soft tissues and their blood vessels are stretched beyond their normal length from twisting or hyperextending the joint. This can occur in the arms, legs, back or neck. Symptoms Pain and swelling are the main symptoms.
Severe injuries involve more intense pain and greater swelling.
When the injury is more severe, the muscles, tendons and ligaments may not function at all and dislocation of the joint may occur. If the injury is minor, it may just stiffen up and become painful overnight. If symptoms are not too painful and the joint is not disabled beyond a slight stiffness of the tendons, the soft tissues will usually heal on their own. In this case there is no danger of permanent damage. If a loud noise or pop is heard at the time of injury and the joint appears misshapen or out of alignment compared to the normal limb, go to the Emergency Room unless medical help is available at the site where the injury occurred.