Such injuries include sprains and strains. Strains refer to stretched or torn muscle or tendon tissue. These findings do not correspond with pharmacy practice in terms of requests for either products or advice. Causes Sprains occur when the joint is forced to move beyond its normal range of motion. This includes moving in a plane in which it is not designed to function.
Strains are usually the result of the use of excessive muscular force.
This may be exemplified by the force applied to the calf muscle when starting a race from starting blocks. Overuse of a muscle may produce muscular pain which may be the result of strain. Pathophysiology Sprains and strains are primarily recognised by pain. Pain is a common symptom which different people experience in different ways. It has been defined as an 'unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage'.