Common Sprain Sites: Ankle Leads, But Wrist, Knee & Thumb Also Vulnerable

Sprain = ligament stretch/tear. Grades: I (microscopic), II (partial), III (complete).

Frequency by Joint

Joint	% of Sprains	Mechanism	Key Ligaments
Lateral ankle	70–85%	Inversion (rolling outward)	ATFL > CFL > PTFL
Wrist	10–15%	FOOSH (fall on outstretched hand)	Scapholunate, TFCC, radiocarpal
Knee (MCL)	5–10%	Valgus stress (blow to lateral knee)	MCL (grade I–III)
Thumb (UCL)	2–5%	Abduction/extension (ski pole, fall)	Ulnar collateral ligament (gamekeeper's/skier's thumb)
Finger (PIP)	Common in sports	Hyperextension / lateral force	Collateral ligaments, volar plate

Acute Management (PRICE → POLICE)

• Protection (brace, tape), Optimal Loading (early pain-free motion), Ice, Compression, Elevation.
• NSAIDs topical/oral for pain/inflammation.
• Grade III / instability / neurovascular compromise → ortho referral.

Prevention

• Neuromuscular training (balance, proprioception) ↓ankle sprain 30–50%.
• Taping/bracing for high-risk return.
• Wrist guards (snowboarding, skating).