Clinical features

The usual signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, instability and loss of the ability to move and use the joint. However, these signs and symptoms can vary in intensity, depending on the severity of the sprain. Sometimes people feel a pop or tear when the injury happens.

There are 3 grades describing the degree of the sprain.

• A mild sprain is caused by over-stretching or slight tearing of the ligaments with no joint instability. There may be minimal pain, slight swelling and little or no loss of functional ability. Bruising is absent or slight and the weight-bearing on the affected joint bearable.
• Moderate sprains are caused by further, but still incomplete tearing of the ligament and is characterised by bruising, moderate pain and swelling. There is usually more difficulty weight-bearing and there could be some loss of function.
• A severe sprain is a complete tear or rupture of a ligament. Pain, swelling and bruising are usually severe and should the sprain affect the lower limb, then weight bearing would be very difficult.