Ankle Sprains

What is an Ankle Sprain?

  • Ligaments are strong band-like structures around joints, which attach bones together and give support to joints. Ankle sprain occurs when ligaments in the ankle joints are either overstretched or torn during a sudden pull. A damaged ankle ligaments causes inflammation, swelling, and bruising around the affected joint.

Causes

  • A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position. A fall that causes your ankle to twist, landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping or pivoting, or walking/exercising on an uneven surface can contribute to ankle sprain. Often the ankle rolls outward and the foot turns inward, an inversion injury, damages the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
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Symptoms

  • Pain
  • Difficulty walking
  • Swelling and Bruising
  • Ankle instability and stiffness

Treatment

  • You can first use the R.I.C.E. approach to treat your ankle: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Proper treatment and rehabilitation exercises are very important for ankle sprains. If an ankle sprain does not heal right, the joint may become unstable and may develop chronic pain. If pain and swelling persist, see your podiatrist to receive proper treatment.