What is the major difference between a muscle strain and a muscle sprain?

The correct answer highlights that strains specifically affect muscles, while sprains involve ligaments. Strains occur when there is an overstretching or tearing of muscle fibers or tendons, which are the structures that connect muscles to bones. This can result from excessive force, improper lifting techniques, or a sudden movement that exceeds the muscle's capacity to stretch.

Sprains, on the other hand, result from injuries to ligaments, which are tough bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint. These injuries often occur from twisting motions or impacts that force a joint out of its normal position, leading to ligament damage.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for recognizing the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation strategies for each type of injury, as they require different approaches based on the affected tissue. Proper identification also plays a critical role in injury prevention strategies in physical activity settings.