What is a sprain?

A sprain refers specifically to the injury that involves the stretching and tearing of ligaments, which are the tough bands of connective tissue that connect bones at a joint. When a joint is subjected to excessive force, such as twisting or impact, the ligaments can become overstretched or torn, resulting in a sprain. This type of injury commonly occurs in areas such as the ankle, knee, or wrist, often manifesting with pain, swelling, bruising, and limited joint mobility.

The other choices pertain to different types of injuries. The overstretching of muscles relates to strains, the complete separation of a joint typically characterizes a dislocation, and inflammation of a tendon describes tendinitis. Each of these has distinct definitions and implications for treatment, which further emphasizes the importance of understanding what constitutes a sprain.