Which symptom is NOT a sign of a sprain?

The presence of excessive mobility is not typically associated with a sprain. A sprain occurs when ligaments, which connect bones at a joint, are stretched or torn. This injury usually leads to symptoms such as tenderness at the site, swelling, bruising, and often a loss of function or use in the affected area due to pain and instability.

While swelling, tenderness, and bruising are all common indicators of a sprain, excessive mobility suggests that the joint is not only injured but might be more unstable than what is characteristic of a typical sprain. In fact, a sprained joint may actually have decreased mobility because of pain and swelling, making the structure more stable, not allowing for increased movement. Therefore, excessive mobility does not align with the expected symptoms of a sprain.