Sprains and strains both refer to damage to the soft tissues in the body, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Sprains and strains are some of the most common types of workers’ comp claims in Illinois. Sprains and strains are immensely painful and they are particularly likely to occur in the transportation, manufacturing, moving, and warehouse industries.

A sprain is a stretching or tearing of ligaments, the fibrous tissue that connects bones and joints. With a sprain, the ligament is stretched to the point of trauma. A strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle or a tissue connecting muscle to bone (tendon). Strains often occur in the lower back and in the muscle in the back of the thigh.

Strains and sprains can be caused by:

• lifting more weight than a muscle can bear
• walking or running on an uneven surface
• falling and landing on the wrist or hand
• slipping, tripping, or falling from a height
• twisting or pivoting suddenly
• repetitive motion

Symptoms for sprains and strains are similar and may include:

• pain and swelling in the injured area
• difficulty using or moving the injured area in a normal way
• warmth, bruising, or redness in the injured area

Strains and sprains frequently require medical attention. Finding an experienced work accident attorney is crucial when trying to seek compensation. Call (312) 726-5567 for a free consultation or contact us online. We have handled well over 30,000 claims for injured workers throughout the state of Illinois.