A sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a thick, tough fibrous tissue that connects bones together. Commonly injured ligaments are in the ankle, knee and wrist.

The ligament can be injured by being stretch too far from their normal position. The purpose of having ligaments is to hold your skeleton together in a normal alignment. Ligaments prevent abnormal movements, however when there is too much force applied to a ligament, such as in a fall, the ligaments can be stretched or torn. This injury is called a sprain. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles are made to stretch but if stretched too far or stretched while contracting; an injury called a strain may result. A strain may either be a stretching or tear of the muscle or tendon. The symptoms of a strain are typically pain, swelling and bruising of the affected joint. Symptoms will vary with the intensity of the injury. More significant ligament tears, grade 3 injuries, cause an inability to use the joint and may lead to joint instability. Less serious injuries, grade one, may only cause pain with movement.

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