🔊 Pronunciation: /spreɪn/
🗣️ Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Definition:
To sprain (verb) means to injure a joint by stretching or tearing the ligaments, usually by a sudden twist or impact.
As a noun, a sprain refers to the injury itself, damage to ligaments caused by a wrench or twist of a joint.
Examples:
- "He sprained his ankle while playing soccer.” (He twisted his ankle and injured the ligaments.)
- "The doctor said it was just a mild sprain, not a fracture.” (The injury was to the ligaments, not the bones.)
- "Be careful on the trail, it's easy to sprain your knee on uneven ground.” (The joint can get injured by unexpected movement.)
🧠 Bonus Tip:
Sprains are different from strains:
- Sprains affect ligaments (connect bones to bones),
- Strains affect muscles or tendons (connect muscles to bones).
Common sprain areas: ankles, wrists, knees.
Treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (R.I.C.E. method).