Which of the following describes a sprain?

A sprain specifically refers to an injury that involves the ligaments, which are tough bands of connective tissue that connect bones at a joint. In the case of a sprain, small tears occur in these ligaments due to excessive stretching or force, resulting in pain, swelling, and limited movement in the affected area. This distinguishes a sprain from other types of injuries, such as damage to the skin, muscle strains, or bone fractures, which involve different tissues and mechanisms of injury. Therefore, the definition of a sprain centered on the small tears in ligaments accurately describes the nature of this injury.