How to Know If You’ve Pulled a Muscle or Torn a Ligament

It usually happens in a split second — you bend, twist, or take one wrong step, and suddenly there’s that sharp twinge of pain. For a moment, you freeze, unsure if it’s something minor or a sign of real trouble. Most people shrug it off, thinking it’s just a “muscle pull.” But what if it’s more serious — like a ligament tear? 

At London Ortho Hospital, Salem, we see this confusion almost every day. People walk in days or even weeks after an injury, hoping the pain will disappear on its own. Sometimes it does, but in many cases, the delay only makes recovery harder. Knowing the difference between a pulled muscle and a torn ligament can help you decide when it’s time to rest — and when it’s time to get checked. 

A muscle pull (or strain) usually happens when muscle fibers stretch beyond their comfort zone — something as simple as overdoing a gym set, skipping your warm-up, or lifting heavy objects the wrong way. The pain is often immediate, but it’s localized. You might feel a dull ache or tightness when you move, and the area could be sore to touch. In most mild cases, a few days of rest, ice, and gentle stretching will get you back on your feet. 

A ligament tear, however, tells a different story. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and stabilize your joints — especially in your knees, ankles, and shoulders. When they stretch too far or tear, you’ll usually feel a sudden “pop” or snapping sensation. The pain is sharper, the swelling is faster, and the joint often feels unstable — as if it might give way. Unlike a muscle strain, a torn ligament doesn’t heal easily without medical guidance, and in severe cases, surgery might be necessary. 

It’s worth remembering that soft tissue injuries are far more common than most people realize. Studies show that nearly 70% of all sports-related injuries involve muscles, tendons, or ligaments. But only a small portion of these are treated promptly — meaning many people live with discomfort or weakness that could have been prevented with timely care. 

If your pain doesn’t ease after two days of rest, if you can’t put weight on the affected joint, or if you notice visible bruising or swelling, it’s time to see a specialist. At London Ortho Hospital, our orthopaedic doctors and physiotherapists work closely to identify exactly what’s gone wrong. Using advanced imaging like MRI or ultrasound, we can tell whether the injury is a mild strain or a deeper tear — and then design a treatment plan to restore your strength and mobility safely. 

The goal isn’t just to relieve pain; it’s to help your body heal correctly so you can get back to doing what you love without fear of reinjury. With the right mix of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual movement, most soft tissue injuries heal well — but only when handled with care. 

Your body has an incredible ability to recover, but it needs the right support at the right time. If pain or stiffness is holding you back, don’t wait for it to worsen. Book a consultation at London Ortho Hospital, Salem, and let our orthopaedic experts guide you toward a full, confident recovery.