Cramp vs Sprain. Peter: Hey Tina, I was playing basketball | Learn English | Vocabularies

Cramp vs Sprain.

Peter: Hey Tina, I was playing basketball yesterday and I think I might have sprained my ankle.

Tina: Oh no! That sounds painful. Do you know the difference between a sprain and a cramp?

Peter: Not really. Can you explain it to me?

Tina: Sure! A sprain is an injury to a ligament caused by stretching or tearing. This can happen when you twist your ankle or overextend your knee. On the other hand, a cramp is a sudden, involuntary muscle contraction that can be caused by dehydration or overuse.

Peter: Okay, that makes sense. So how can you tell if you have a sprain or a cramp?

Tina: Well, with a sprain, you will usually experience swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the affected joint. With a cramp, you will feel a sudden tightness in the muscle, and you may be able to see or feel the muscle contracting.

Peter: Got it. So what should I do if I have a sprain or a cramp?

Tina: For a sprain, you should rest the affected joint, ice it to reduce swelling, compress it with an elastic bandage, and elevate it above your heart to reduce swelling. For a cramp, you should stretch the affected muscle, gently massage it, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Peter: Thanks for explaining that, Tina. I'll try those remedies and see if it helps with my ankle.

Tina: You're welcome, Peter. I hope you feel better soon!