sprain A term used loosely for an injury involving joints and muscles: a ‘soft tissue injury’ which does not damage bone. Since a ‘sprain’ is characterized chiefly by subjective symptoms (though there may be swelling) and reveals no abnormality on X-ray, the precise site and nature of damage can only be guessed from the description of the type and direction of the strain suffered and the location of pain and tenderness. Sprains are probably mainly due to small tears in ligaments or muscles.

Stuart Judge

sprain / sprān/ • v. [tr.] wrench or twist the ligaments of (an ankle, wrist, or other joint) violently so as to cause pain and swelling but not dislocation: he left in a wheelchair after spraining an ankle.• n. the result of such a wrench or twist of a joint.

sprain Injury to one or more ligaments of a joint caused by sudden over-stretching. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, bruising, and swelling. Treatment includes resting and supporting the affected part before gentle mobilization.

sprain (sprayn) n. injury to a ligament, caused by sudden overstretching. Sprains should be treated by cold compresses (ice-packs) at the time of injury, and later by restriction of activity.

sprain vb. and sb. XVII. of uncert. orig
.