What symptoms indicate a first degree sprain?

A first-degree sprain is characterized by a mild injury to the ligaments, which are the connective tissues that stabilize joints. The symptoms of a first-degree sprain typically include minor discomfort and little or no swelling. In this type of sprain, the ligaments might be stretched but not torn, which explains the limited severity of symptoms.

The absence of significant swelling distinguishes a first-degree sprain from more severe sprains, where swelling would become more pronounced due to inflammation and potentially bleeding from damaged tissues. The symptoms that involve more pain, swelling, loss of mobility, or joint locking relate to higher degrees of sprains, which indicate more serious injury where the ligament may be partially or completely torn. Therefore, the presence of only minor discomfort and minimal swelling aligns perfectly with the characteristics of a first-degree sprain.