Sprains are extremely common and occur when a ligament (tissue that connects bone to bone) or tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone) in one of your limbs is torn. Although sprains can be caused by simple actions such as twisting your ankle, this can happen during a sporting event, when you are moving on an uneven surface, or if you fall awkwardly and your ankle or wrist twists. They can also occur due to factors such as overextension when playing tennis or pivoting incorrectly, causing your knee to twist.
Sprains are more common if you are fatigued, as this can cause you to become unbalanced and your muscles will provide less support for your bones when you are exhausted. You must also be wary when on slippery or dangerous surfaces caused by environmental conditions such as the weather. If you wear footwear that is not suitable for the activity that you are performing or does not fit you properly, this can also increase your susceptibility to sprains, strains, and fractures.
Strains are caused by the ligament or tendon in your limb being pulled from the bone by an exterior force and are most often caused by sporting activities. Most incidents of strains occur from slipping or falling on an uneven surface or tripping, while running or throwing, and also from unsafe lifting practices. These are most likely to occur at work or during manual labor activities.