1. An injury to a ligament as a result of abnormal or excessive forces applied to a joint, but without dislocation or fracture. 2. To cause a s. of a joint.
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sprain 'sprān n a sudden or violent twist or wrench of a joint causing the stretching or tearing of ligaments and often rupture of blood vessels with hemorrhage into the tissues also the condition resulting from a sprain that is usu. marked by swelling, inflammation, hemorrhage, and discoloration compare STRAIN (b)
sprain vt to weaken (a joint or ligament) by sudden and violent twisting or wrenching: stretch (ligaments) injuriously without dislocation of the joint
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n.
injury to a ligament, caused by sudden overstretching. As the ligament is not severed it gradually heals, but this may take several months. Sprains should be treated by cold compresses (ice-packs) at the time of injury, and later by restriction of activity.
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(sprān) a joint injury in which some of the fibers of a supporting ligament are ruptured but the continuity of the ligament remains intact.Medical dictionary. 2011.