Ankle Sprain
What is an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains are among the most common injuries affecting individuals of all ages and activity levels. They are particularly frequent in sports and physical activities, often leading to missed participation.
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments supporting the joint are overstretched or torn. The severity of the injury depends on the extent of ligament damage and how many ligaments are affected.
Causes of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains happen when the ankle moves beyond its normal range of motion, causing ligament damage. Common causes include:
- Twisting the ankle due to a fall.
- Landing awkwardly after jumping or pivoting.
- Walking or running on uneven terrain.
- Another person stepping on or landing on the foot during sports.
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase the likelihood of spraining an ankle:
- Sports participation: Sports that involve jumping, quick directional changes, or rolling movements (e.g., basketball, soccer, tennis) increase the risk.
- Uneven surfaces: Walking or running on rough or unstable ground can contribute to injuries.
- Previous ankle injuries: A history of ankle sprains raises the chance of recurrence.
- Weak muscles or limited flexibility: Poor physical conditioning may make the ankle more prone to injury.
- Inappropriate footwear: Ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or footwear unsuitable for a specific activity can increase the risk.
Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain
Signs of a sprained ankle include:
- Pain, especially when bearing weight.
- Tenderness upon touch.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Difficulty walking or moving the ankle.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals diagnose ankle sprains through:
- Reviewing the injury mechanism and symptoms.
- Conducting a physical examination to assess pain, swelling, range of motion, and weight-bearing ability.
- Performing specialized tests to evaluate ligament integrity and rule out severe injuries.
Diagnostic Tests
While imaging tests are often unnecessary, they may be used in certain cases:
- X-rays: To check for fractures, especially when a break is suspected.
- Ultrasound: To visualize ligament damage in real-time.
- MRI: Recommended for severe cases or when additional injuries (e.g., tendon or cartilage damage) are suspected.
Treatment for Ankle Sprains
For most ankle sprains, initial treatment follows the PRICE method (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) within the first 24–48 hours.
- Protection: Use a brace, splint, or crutches to limit strain on the ankle.
- Rest: Avoid activities that put stress on the injured joint.
- Ice: Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage to manage swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the ankle elevated above heart level to minimize swelling.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Recovery involves progressive rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and stability:
- Early motion exercises: Gentle movements to prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening exercises: Gradual strengthening of ankle muscles and tendons.
- Balance training: Exercises to improve proprioception and reduce the risk of future sprains.
- Endurance and agility training: Activities such as controlled running drills improve overall function and prevent reinjury.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely required but may be necessary for cases of chronic instability or severe ligament damage. Surgical options include:
- Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove debris or repair minor ligament damage.
- Ligament repair/reconstruction: In cases of significant damage, ligaments may be repaired or reconstructed using grafts from nearby tendons.
Prevention
To reduce the risk of ankle sprains:
- Warm up properly before exercise.
- Strengthen and stretch the ankle muscles regularly.
- Be cautious when walking or running on uneven surfaces.
- Wear supportive footwear appropriate for your activity.
Further information
Last updated07 Aug 2025