A sprain is one of the most common and disabling injuries seen in sports. A traumatic joint twist that results in stretching or total tearing of the stabilizing connective tissue. There is injury to ligaments and to the articular cartilage and synovial membrane. All of these symptoms vary according to the individual and to the extent of the injury. Sprains may be classified into three categories based on level of severity.
Sprains are most common in the ankles, knees and shoulders and are seen less in wrists and elbows.
Repeated joint twisting can eventually result in chronic inflammation, degeneration and arthritis. Initial treatment for a sprain is the same as a contusion. Ice, compression, elevation and anti-inflammatory drugs. Strains are a stretch, rip or tear in the muscle or tendon. A strain is most often produced by an abnormal muscle contraction.