What Are the Common Types of Sprains and Their Causes?
Sprains can occur in any joint of the body, but some areas are more prone to injury due to their range of motion or exposure to forceful impacts. Ankle sprains are among the most common, often resulting from rolling or twisting the ankle during activities such as walking, running, or playing sports. This type of sprain typically involves the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Knee sprains are also common, especially among athletes, and occur when the ligaments around the knee joint are overstretched, often during sports involving sudden direction changes, jumping, or twisting. The wrist is another frequent site of sprains, particularly from falling onto an outstretched hand, which puts excess force on the ligaments of the wrist joint.
Other types of sprains can affect the thumb, elbow, and shoulder joints, although these are less common. The causes of sprains generally involve sudden movements or accidents that force the joint beyond its normal range of motion. Sports injuries (such as playing football, basketball, or skiing), twisting motions, falls, and repetitive overuse are the main contributors. Poor conditioning, weak muscles, and inadequate flexibility can increase the likelihood of a sprain. Wearing protective equipment, such as ankle braces for athletes or wrist supports for individuals involved in manual labor, can help prevent sprains.
