Ligament Sprain Biology Diagrams Most ankle sprains involve injuries to the three ligaments on the outside of your ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that stabilize joints and help prevent excessive movement. An ankle sprain occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the ligaments that help hold your ankle bones together.

A sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament. Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to bones at joints. Most people with mild sprains and strains can treat these injuries at

Sprains and Strains: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Biology Diagrams
Treatment for sprains begins with the RICE protocol and physical therapy. Moderate sprains often require a period of bracing (for example, a CAM walking boot can be worn to help support and immobilize a sprained ankle). The most severe sprains may require surgery to repair torn ligaments. Strains. A strain is an injury to a muscle and/or tendon. Sprains happen when ligaments around one of your joints are damaged. Visit a healthcare provider if you notice pain, swelling or it's hard to use or put weight on a joint — especially if you've experienced a fall, injury or accident. Types of sprains. Any joint supported by ligaments can be sprained. The most commonly sprained joints are:

After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better. Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, as there's a risk of further damage. Severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal. You cannot always prevent sprains and strains. Sprains and strains happen when you overstretch or twist a muscle.

Muscle and Ligament Sprains, Strains, and Tears Biology Diagrams
Also, doctors ask in which direction the joint was stressed during the injury. This information can help doctors determine which ligaments and/or bones may be damaged. Doctors also ask when the pain started. If it started immediately after the injury, the cause may be a severe sprain. If the pain began hours to days later, the injury is usually