Sprained Ankle

What is a sprained ankle?

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments in your ankle are stretched or torn due to a sudden twist, turn, or awkward landing. It’s a common injury that can range from mild to severe.

How do I know if I have a sprained ankle?

To determine if you've sprained your ankle, pay attention to the symptoms, which may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Instability
• Decreased range of motion
• Snapping sound at the time of injury

Putting weight on the affected foot might be challenging and painful, too. You might also feel a sensation of your ankle giving way when trying to move it.

What are the different types of sprained ankle injuries?

Different types of sprained ankle injuries include:

Grade 1

Grade 1 sprains involve the ligaments stretching but not tearing in your ankle. You may have mild pain, minor swelling and stiffness, joint instability, and difficulty with high-impact movement.

Grade 2

A grade 2 sprain means you have a partial tear instead of a complete tear of the ligament. Symptoms may include significant swelling, moderate pain, bruising, a limited range of motion, and difficulty walking.

Grade 3

Grade 3 sprains are severe. The ligament is completely torn, resulting in severe swelling, pain, instability of the joint, extreme loss of motion, and the inability to stand on it.

Inversion

An inversion sprain means the ankle rolls inward, tearing the ligaments of the outward joint. This is more common than an eversion sprain, which is when the foot twists outward, tearing the inner ligament.

High ankle

A high ankle sprain is a less common type. It involves a twisting or rotational injury that causes pain in the ligaments above the ankle when flexing.

The podiatrists at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute can evaluate your condition through a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of the injury.

How is a sprained ankle treated?

Treatment options for an ankle sprain include:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE method)
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, acetaminophen)
• Immobilization using a brace or splint
• Physical therapy exercises 

If you sprain your ankle, the professionals at Rogers Foot & Ankle Institute can help you recover and regain full function. Call or book online now if you have an ankle injury.