However, the brief and temporary separation can still cause considerable injury to the joint capsule and the ligaments - and these may even rupture.

In sport, sprains of the ankle are common in football and basketball, as well as in running and jumping disciplines on uneven ground if the foot turns over. Knee sprains in football can occur through fouls or unphysiological rotation of the joint. Thumb and finger joints are often sprained in volleyball, in gymnastics, e.g. when catching medicine balls, and in skiing.

The signs of a sprain are pain, joint swelling, bruising, abnormal position of the joint and restriction of its movement. These symptoms are common to all sprains, regardless of the severity of the injury, but the intensity can vary considerably.