Muscles are the motors that move the bones and make it possible for the body to move and stand erect. There are many different muscles, but today we are going to discuss those that are most commonly sprained and strained. When doctors talk of sprains and strains, they speak of ligaments and tendons. Ligaments are tough, fibrous, cord-like materials that connect bone to bone. Wherever there is a joint, you'll find ligaments.
Tendons are of similar material, but their function is to attach muscle to bone.
Muscles of motion are almost always found in pairs, and usually cross the joints of bones. When one muscle contracts to move a part of the body, its partner relaxes. You most likely have at one time or another experienced a cramp in your leg or foot. This occurs when the body is confused and contracts both muscles at the same time. This background information will help you understand why sprains and strains happen.