A SPRAIN is an injury to a ligament.  Ligaments are the strong and flexible fibers that connect bones together keeping the joints in place.  The type of injury may vary from overstretching or tearing of one or more ligaments, and severity depends on the extent of injury.  It can be caused by twisting injuries, falls or direct trauma which displaces a joint out of its anatomic position.  

SPRAINS can occur anywhere in the body, the most common site being the ankle.  Early signs and symptoms include pain and swelling, bruising, and in more severe cases, loss of normal joint motion and function.

A Grade I or mild sprain is caused by overstretching or slight tearing of the ligaments.  Symptoms are usually minimal, with little or no loss of function of the affected joint.  

In Grade II or moderate sprain, there is more extensive, but still partial tear of the ligaments.  This is characterized by moderate pain and swelling, with some loss of joint function.

In Grade III or severe sprain, there is complete tearing or rupture of the ligament.  Symptoms are generally severe and are associated with joint instability.  

A STRAIN is an injury to a muscle or tendon.  Tendons are the tough but flexible tissues that connect muscles to bone.  Muscles are responsible for the body’s movement.  When it contracts, it shortens and produces a pulling action on the tendons attached to bone to effect movement.  Strains are caused by twisting or pulling injuries that could occur acutely or over time (chronic).  Overstretching or tears in muscles and tendons can result from performance of one’s daily activities, sports or work.

Occasionally, if the injury is especially severe, a nonremovable splint made of plaster or fiberglass. Although the splint may look like a cast, it doesn't have plaster or fiberglass completely encircling the injured area. Instead, by only going partially around an injury, there is some room to allow for swelling that may occur during the next few days.

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