A sprained ankle, a common injury, results from overstretched or torn ankle ligaments. This often causes pain, swelling, and reduced mobility, making walking and physical activities challenging.
Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 10th Jan. 2022
Sprained ankle symptoms
Upon spraining your ankle, immediate pain often signals the injury as your foot twists inward under your body’s weight.
Symptoms may include:
- Joint pain, typically concentrated on your ankle’s exterior.
- Swift swelling, possibly developing over a 24 to 48-hour period.
- Bruising.
- Inner ankle pain if bones are impacted.
The severity of ankle sprains is classified into grades 1, 2, or 3. To evaluate your injury’s extent, your healthcare provider may conduct various assessment tests, such as the talar tilt test and anterior drawer test.
Similar injuries and complications
Accompanying injuries or complications may occur with ankle sprains and should be ruled out, including:
- Avulsion fractures, where the ligament detaches a bone fragment.
- Osteochondral lesions represent injuries to the cartilage situated at the ends of bones.
- Ankle fractures, which may arise from a sprained ankle.
Anatomy
The ankle relies on several ligaments, like the anterior tibiofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, for support and stability. Likewise, leg muscles, attached to bones through tendons, contribute to the ankle’s firmness.
Inversion ankle sprains vs eversion sprains
Inversion sprains, where the ankle rolls outward and the foot inward, are the most common, potentially straining or tearing exterior ankle ligaments.
Eversion sprains, though less common, involve the ankle rolling inward, flattening the foot and stretching interior ankle ligaments, often alongside a fibula fracture. The severity of the sprain varies, with mild ones damaging a single ligament and more severe ones affecting multiple.
What causes a sprained ankle?
Several factors may increase your risk of an ankle sprain:
- Proprioception Deficit: Proprioception, the body’s capacity to perceive the position of its parts, protects joints from injury. Impaired proprioception can lead to sprains, particularly recurrent ones. It’s the automatic reaction that saves an over-turning ankle.
- Inadequate Footwear: Unfit or improper shoes for your activity may heighten the chance of spraining your ankle. Ensure your footwear fits well and is suitable for your sport or activity
Treatment for sprained ankles
Treatment should start with the PRICE principles (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), followed by comprehensive rehabilitation.
- Cold Therapy & Compression: Apply cold therapy promptly post-injury to minimize pain, inflammation, and swelling. Avoid direct contact between ice and skin to prevent burns; instead, use a cold therapy compression wrap. Elevate your ankle to reduce swelling.
- Rest: Prioritize rest. Continuing physical activities on an injured ankle may aggravate the injury and complicate recovery.
- Ankle Brace: Use an ankle brace for ligament protection and compression. Start with a simple elastic sleeve and consider a stronger brace with lateral support during later rehabilitation stages.
- Electrotherapy: Therapists may employ ultrasound electrotherapy to alleviate pain and decrease swelling.
- Massage: Sports massage can lessen swelling initially, while cross-friction massage aids in appropriate scar tissue formation later.
- Taping: Taping supports injured tissues and boosts muscle activation, protecting the ankle and restoring confidence.
- Consult a Professional: If the injury is severe or unresponsive to treatment, consult a sports injury professional for accurate diagnosis, treatment guidance, and rehabilitation advice.
