Sprains

A sprain (from Middle French espraindre – to wring) is an injury to ligaments that is caused by being stretched beyond their normal capacity and possibly torn. A muscular tear caused in the same manner is referred to as a strain. In cases where either ligament or muscle tissue is torn, immobilization and surgical repair may be necessary. Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bone to bone across the joints. Sprains can occur in any joint but are most common in the ankle.

Bruises

A bruise, also called a contusion, is a type of relatively minor hematoma of tissue in which capillaries and sometimes venules are damaged by trauma, allowing blood to seep into the surrounding extracellular space. Bruises can involve capillaries at the level of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or bone. Bruises may be referred to by size as ecchymosis (1-3 cm), purpura (3-10 mm), or petechia (<3 mm), although these terms can also refer to internal bleeding not caused by trauma.