Which statement is true regarding sprains?

Sprains involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments, which are the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones at a joint. When a ligament is overstretched or torn due to sudden movement, impact, or excessive force, it results in a sprain. This condition can vary in severity, ranging from mild stretching (Grade I) to complete tears (Grade III). It is essential to understand this definition as it highlights the very nature of a sprain and distinguishes it from other types of injuries.

Other options misrepresent the facts: one suggests that sprains only affect bones, which is inaccurate since sprains are specifically related to ligaments; another states that they have no relation to muscles, overlooking the fact that surrounding muscles can be affected by the mechanics of how a sprain occurs. Lastly, stating that all sprains are Grade III is incorrect because sprains can range in grades depending on the extent of the injury. Hence, the accurate statement regarding sprains is that they involve stretching or tearing of ligaments.