What Is a Sprain?
A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the strong band of tissue that connects bones at a joint. Sprains occur when a ligament stretches beyond its normal range or develops a tear. The ankle, knee, wrist, and thumb are common locations, and symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, or reduced joint movement.
Quick Facts About Sprain
Category
Ligament injury
Used for
Joint injury assessment
Common confusion
Strain affects muscle or tendon tissue
Also called
Ligament injury, Ligament sprain
Often discussed with
Sports Injury Treatment
Key Takeaways About Sprain
- A sprain affects a ligament, not a muscle.
- Joint pain and swelling can limit normal movement.
- A sprain is commonly confused with a strain.
How Sprain Works
A sprain changes how a joint moves because damaged ligament fibers may no longer support the joint normally. The injury can range from stretched tissue to a partial or complete tear. Pain, swelling, bruising, and tenderness can help describe the injury, while joint movement and stability provide further clinical information.
Related glossary terms: Strain, Joint Mobility, Range Of Motion.
Assessment focuses on the affected joint, the movement that caused the symptoms, and the person’s current function. A clinician may compare movement on the injured side with the other side and check nearby tissues. A strain involves a muscle or tendon, so identifying the injured tissue helps guide the next step in sports injury treatment.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Newnan team
When we assess a sprain, we consider the injured joint, the person’s movement, and the surrounding tissues. We also look for signs that symptoms may involve a strain or another source of pain. Our sports injury treatment approach keeps the examination focused on function and the activities that remain difficult.
Sprain in Practice: A Real-World Example
A recreational runner may twist an ankle while changing direction on a field and develop swelling with painful movement. Sports injury treatment may examine ankle motion and nearby tissues to help identify whether the symptoms fit a sprain.
Related Services
Related Terms
Strain
A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overstretching or excessive force…
Joint Mobility
Joint Mobility is the capacity of a joint to move freely through its available range while…
Range Of Motion
Range Of Motion is the available movement at a joint or body region, measured by how…
Gait Analysis
Gait Analysis is the assessment of how a person walks or runs. It examines movement patterns…
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