An injury to a joint capsule with ligaments, resulting in immediate pain and tenderness and delayed swelling is a

• A. Sprain
• B. Strain
• C. Dislocation
• D. Fracture

Answer: (A)

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that stabilize a joint and the joint capsule. When these ligaments are stretched or torn, you get immediate pain and tenderness around the joint as the nerve endings are activated. Swelling often develops more gradually as inflammatory processes and fluids accumulate in the tissues. This combination—immediate joint pain and tenderness with swelling that is delayed—fits a sprain.

In contrast, a strain is an injury to muscle or tendon, typically causing pain with muscle use rather than ligament-specific joint instability. A dislocation involves the joint surfaces being forced out of alignment and usually presents with a visible deformity and severe, acute pain. A fracture is a break in a bone and often presents with focal tenderness and possible deformity or abnormal movement.