The Differences Between Ankle Sprains and Strains While they sound similar, ankle sprains and strains are significantly different in how they occur. An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments in the fibrous tissues stretch or tear. Ankle strains, however, are caused when the muscle or tendon stretches or tears. In both cases, it is recommended to treat this condition with compression, elevation, ice and rest. If the injury is worse than mild, you may require surgery. If you’re recovering from a sprain or strain, our physical therapy in Massapequa can give you the help you need today! For both ankle sprains […]