A sprain is an injury to a ligament. The ligaments are stabilizing tissues between bones. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. A tendon connects the muscle to the bone. A fracture is a break in the bone itself. Every sprain and fracture requires a different amount of time to heal. Factors that affect healing include quality of blood supply, nutrition, rest, and the overall health of the patient. Some sprains may take longer to heal than some fractures and pain can persist well past the initial healing phase for both of these injuries. You should see a doctor if you are ever injured and unable to move a joint appropriately or put weight on the joint.