Sprains and strains
A twist or overuse injury can cause joint or muscle pain, but a fracture or another injury may look similar.
Common symptoms
- Pain in the affected joint or muscle
- Swelling
- Tenderness to the touch
- Limited range of motion
- Bruising (sometimes)
A useful care conversation
Explain how the injury happened, where it hurts and whether you can use the limb or bear weight. A photo can show swelling or bruising; it cannot rule out a broken bone. The clinician can discuss protection, recovery and whether an examination or imaging is needed.
When to seek more care
- Get an in-person assessment for deformity, inability to bear weight, severe pain or worsening function.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or a complete symptom checker. The right care depends on your circumstances.
For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Tap reply or send a photo first.
About this information
Adapted from Tap’s published care-topic library. Original publication: 2025-01-01. Prepared for this guide: 2026-09-07. Preparation is not a clinical-review certification.
The clinician decides whether advice, testing, an examination or a prescription is appropriate. A listed topic does not guarantee remote treatment or a refill. Tap does not prescribe controlled substances.