Muscle Sprain vs. Bone Injury: Understanding Joint Damage

A muscle sprain does not affect the bones in a joint. A sprain is a soft-tissue injury that involves ligaments, which are tough bands of connective tissue that connect bones to each other. When a ligament is stretched or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. In severe cases, a sprain can also lead to instability or weakness in the joint.