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Sprains

From DrKoop's partner site on diet and exercise, MyDietExercise.com
InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Ankle sprain - series
Ankle sprain - series
Early treatment of injury
Early treatment of injury
Definition

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched too far or tears, the joint will become painful and swell.


Alternative Names

Joint sprain


Considerations


Causes

Sprains are caused when a joint is forced to move into an unnatural position. For example, "twisting" one's ankle causes a sprain to the ligaments around the ankle.


Review Date: 06/08/2005
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, MD, MSCE, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedic Specialists, Bryn Mawr, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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