A sprain is an injury resulting from a stretch or tear in a ligament or muscle fibre. Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissues that connect the bones and bind the joints together. Sprains typically occur in the lower limbs, particularly the ankles. A strain is a mild sprain where there is no tear or rupture involved.
Ligament injuries can occur in a variety of ways:
The most common symptoms of a sprain include:
There are four steps to caring for a person who has a sprain:
To prevent these types of injuries from occurring, it is important to wear the proper gear when participating in certain activities and sports (ex: proper footwear and clothing). It is also strongly recommended that you warm up before exercising, remain hydrated during the activity and stretch afterwards.
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