Which of the following is characteristic of a grade II ankle sprain?

A grade II ankle sprain is characterized by moderate pain, swelling, and some functional loss. This type of sprain involves a partial tear of the ligaments supporting the ankle, which leads to these symptoms. Patients typically experience tenderness, difficulty bearing weight, and instability in the affected ankle, but they still retain some capability to move the joint, albeit with discomfort and reduced range of motion.

The presence of moderate swelling and pain aligns with the nature of a grade II injury, distinguishing it from less severe (grade I) or more severe (grade III) sprains. In comparison, grade I sprains involve slight stretching of the ligaments with mild discomfort, while grade III sprains result in complete tearing of the ligaments, leading to severe pain, significant swelling, and a complete loss of function.