Sprain
A sprain is an injury in which a ligament is overstretched or torn. Ligaments connect bones and help support joints.
In everyday words
An ankle sprain may happen when the ankle rolls beyond the range its supporting ligaments can tolerate. Sprains vary from mild stretching to a complete tear.
What to keep in mind
A sprain is different from a strain, which affects muscle or tendon. Pain and swelling do not tell you the full extent of an injury. Seek assessment after a significant injury rather than using this definition to diagnose it.