What is the difference between an ankle that is sprained or strained?

SPRAIN VS. STRAIN: Sprain refers to injury to ligaments around the related joints, these ligaments serve as joint stabilization. I.E. Ligament tears sprain usually refers to injury to tendons passing through the related joints, these tendons serve as connector from muscle to bone. I.E. Inflammation of tendon or tendon rupture hope that answer your question.