Which of the following is a common symptom of an ankle sprain?

Swelling and bruising are common symptoms of an ankle sprain due to the trauma sustained by the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. When an ankle sprain occurs, the ligaments are either stretched or torn, leading to inflammation in the area. This inflammation manifests as swelling, which is a direct response to the injury. Additionally, bruising can occur as small blood vessels are damaged during the trauma, allowing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues, resulting in discoloration.

In contrast, increased flexibility and increased strength are not typical symptoms associated with an ankle sprain. In fact, after a sprain, individuals often experience reduced flexibility and strength due to pain and swelling. Complete loss of motion might occur in severe cases, but it is not a common symptom. Generally, while some limitation in range of motion can happen, it is usually better described as difficulty moving the ankle rather than a complete loss of motion. Thus, swelling and bruising effectively represent the classic signs of an ankle sprain.