Sprained Ankle

An ankle sprain is a common injury, and the severity of the injury depends on the extent of ligament damage and can range from mild to severe.

Sprained ankle

When the ligaments, which are strong bands of connective tissue that hold the ankle bones together and help maintain joint stability during movement, are torn or overstretched, this leads to a sprained ankle.

Based on the degree of injury, ankle sprains are classified into:

• Mild sprain: The ligaments are stretched or have very small tears.
• Moderate sprain: Partial tearing of the ligaments occurs.
• Severe sprain: One or more ligaments here are completely torn.

Causes of sprained ankle

An ankle sprain usually results from sudden twisting or rolling of the foot, which may occur due to:

• Slipping, falling, or tripping.
• Losing balance while walking or running.
• Landing wrongly after jumping.
• Walking or exercising on uneven or unstable surfaces.
• Participating in sports that require rapid changes in direction or foot movement, such as basketball, football (soccer), or tennis.

Symptoms of sprained ankle

The signs and symptoms of an ankle sprain differ depending on its severity and may include:

• Swelling and bruising around the ankle.
• Pain, especially when standing or putting weight on the injured foot.
• Sensitivity or pain when touching the ankle.
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight.
• Limited movement of the ankle joint.
• A feeling that the ankle is weak or unstable.
• In some cases, repeated or untreated ankle sprains may lead to long-term problems, such as chronic ankle pain, persistent joint instability, or the development of arthritis in the ankle joint.

Diagnosis of sprained ankle

• A physical examination.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of sprained ankle

Depending on the severity of the injury, treating ankle sprain includes:

• Resting the injured ankle.
• Applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
• Wrapping the ankle with an elastic compression bandage.
• Elevating the foot to help decrease swelling.
• Using pain-relieving medications when necessary.
• Surgery in rare and severe cases.
• After the healing period, healthcare providers often recommend rehabilitation exercises to improve ankle strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• To reduce the risk of ankle sprains, it is important to warm up before physical activity, strengthen the muscles around the ankle through regular exercise, and remain cautious during movement, especially on uneven surfaces.