Overview of acute ligament sprain

Acute ligament injury, correctly referred to as a sprain (but often called a tear), is usually caused by distraction forces that lengthen the ligament beyond its normal elastic limit. Ligament sprain is very common and is a clinical diagnosis. Sprains range from virtually asymptomatic minor sprains to complete tears (also known as ruptures). The classification system for ligament sprains is similar to that for muscle strains.