Ankle sprains are a common sports injury. An ankle sprain occurs when there is an overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the joint, resulting in pain and swelling. Ligaments are a strong connective tissue that hold bones together.
Most commonly, ankle sprains occur as a result of sudden shifting movement on a planted foot or the foot being rolled inwards (inversion injury).
The ankle joint connects the foot and the leg. The ankle joint has three interlocking bones - the shin bone (tibia), a thinner bone running alongside the shin bone (fibula), and the heel bone (talus).
The bones are stabilized by muscles, tendons and ligaments. There are two major groups of ligaments on either side of the ankle joint, which allows for the ankle's normal range of movement and nothing further. Damage to these ligaments result in ankle sprain.
Symptoms of ankle sprain include pain and swelling. The pain is often felt when moving. The swelling can last hours to days, depending on how bad the sprain is. There can also be bruising around the heel.
Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe depending on the degree of damage to the ankle ligaments:
Ankle sprain is often diagnosed by physical examination.
An X-ray can be taken to check for a fracture.
An MRI scan is only performed in cases where a severe ankle injury is suspected.
Immediate treatment
If you have sprained your ankle, it is important to:
This can be remembered using the mnemonic RICE - rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Also, avoid exercise, alcohol, heat and massage for two days after your sprain.
Ongoing care
Once swelling has improved and pain is controlled, it is important to gently and gradually start using your ankle.
Physiotherapy may be used and could include:
Surgery may be needed if the ankle injury is severe, there is an associated fracture or the ankle injury is not improving even with physical therapy.
The main complication associated with ankle sprain is the increased risk of repeat sprains due to the stretching and loosening of ligaments caused by previous sprains. There is also the possibility of an underlying fracture.
Once you've sprained your ankle, you are at increased risk of spraining it again. This is because ankle sprains result in stretched and loosened ligaments. If you've sprained your ankle, it is important to take steps to prevent spraining it again, as damage caused by recurring ankle sprains may eventually require surgery.
You can reduce your risk of ankle sprain by:
A complete or incomplete break in a bone.
Short, flexible fibrous tissue that connects the bones and cartilage of joints.
A healthcare profession that treats bodily weaknesses or defects with physical remedies, such as massage or exercise.
A scan that uses ionizing radiation beams to create an image of the body’s internal structures.