When a joint, such as the ankle, is stressed beyond normal tolerances, the ligaments at the joint can stretch or tear causing a sprain.If the stretch or tear occurs in a muscle it is called a strain. Bruising and localized pain along with restricted range of motion are a result of a sprain or strain. While sprains and strains can occur in any joint, they are more typical in the knees or ankles.To describe the severity of a sprain or strain, therapists use a numbering method. A first degree sprain or strain is the least severe.A second degree sprain or strain is moderately severe and a third degree sprain or strain is the most severe.
