What are sprain symptoms?

After a twist or a bad landing, the first question may be whether what you feel counts as a sprain. This page names the signs a published source lists.

The short answer: pain, swelling and bruising

Cleveland Clinic says the most common sprain symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising or discoloration.

Reading the three signs

These are the signs to check first.

1. Pain.
2. Swelling.
3. Bruising or discoloration.

Look at the area and compare it with the other side of your body. Note which of the three you can see or feel, and write down when each appeared.

Before you step back up

Bring that short list to a clinician in Elmwood Park or wherever you are seen. It gives them something concrete beyond "it hurts."

To see how these signs apply to specific joints, read a general page on sprains and a page on a knee sprain.

The standard: symptoms are a starting point

Pain, swelling and bruising are the common signs, and they are only the start of an assessment. A finished recovery means those signs have settled and you have a plan, from your clinician, for returning to running, work or lifting.