The Most Common Sprain Symptoms

If you think you have sprain symptoms but aren't sure exactly what you've done to yourself, this list of sprain symptoms will help you determine if you've sprained a ligament and what you should do about your injury. When you get a sprain, you have over-stretched or torn a ligament, the piece of connector tissue that links your bones to your joints. The following are the most common sprain symptoms:

Pain Upon Movement
The most common symptom of all is pain when you move the joint in a particular motion. You may notice that the area is not all that uncomfortable in some positions, but will hurt when you move your joint in a specific way.

Tender to the Touch
When you press upon the injured ligament, you'll notice it is painful. Many times the pain will be much like the pain that accompanies a bruise-a dull ache. Sometimes the pain will be quite sharp upon touching.

Pain Upon Bearing Weight
When you place weight upon the joint in question, you will most likely feel pain.

Swelling
If the sprain is serious, you will notice swelling of the joint and the surrounding tissues. Sometimes the area will be red in color, but usually it will not be all that visible of a change besides the swelling.

Bruising
If the sprain was an actual tear of the ligament resulting in internal bleeding, you may develop a bruise around the sprain.

Hematoma
If the tear was excessive and the amount of bleeding significant, you may see a hematoma form. This is a pool of blood that collects under the skin, creating a bulging bruise.

Treatment for a Sprain
If you suspect you have a minor sprain, elevate the joint, ice the joint, take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug, such as Advil or Aleve, and rest the sprain. If you see bruising, swelling or a hematoma forming, see a doctor.