Sprain

A sprain is a soft tissue injury of the ligaments within a joint, often caused by a sudden movement that abruptly forces the joint beyond its functional range of motion; ligaments are tough, inelastic collagen fibers that connect two or more bones to form a joint and are important for joint stability. Sprains are classified as mild, moderate, or severe depending on the degree of ligament tearing, most often affect the ankle, knee, or wrist, and are treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medication; mild injuries typically resolve within days to six weeks, while severe injuries can take weeks to months and sometimes require surgery and physical therapy.