What are the signs and symptoms of a sprain?
The usual signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and loss of the ability to move and use the joint (called functional ability). 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. Doctors use many criteria to diagnose the severity of a sprain. In general, a grade I or mild sprain causes overstretching or slight tearing of the ligaments with no joint instability. A person with a mild sprain usually experiences minimal pain, swelling, and little or no loss of functional ability. Bruising is absent or slight, and the person is usually able to put weight on the affected joint. People with mild sprains usually do not need an x ray, but one is sometimes performed if the diagnosis is unclear. When to see a doctor for a sprain • You have severe pain and cannot put any weight on the injured joint. • The area over the injured joint or next to it is very tender when you touch i
