What is the term for an injury to the ligament around a joint?

The term for an injury to the ligament around a joint is a sprain. Ligaments are the strong bands of connective tissue that connect bones to other bones at a joint, and a sprain occurs when these ligaments are stretched or torn, often due to excessive force or twisting movements. This type of injury can lead to pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced mobility in the joint. Understanding the distinction between sprains and other types of injuries, such as strains (which involve muscles or tendons), fractures (which are breaks in bones), and dislocations (which occur when bones are forced out of their normal position in a joint), is important for accurately identifying the nature of the injury and selecting appropriate treatment.