A sprain is an injury to a joint that causes a stretch or tear in a ligament.
Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another.
A sprain usually occurs when there is an accident. For example, a ball may hit the tip of your finger or you may fall forcefully onto your finger. You have pain, swelling, and tenderness in your finger. Your health care provider will examine your finger. You may have an x-ray to be sure you have not broken any bones in your finger.