Definition
An ankle sprain is a partial or full tear of the strong bands of tissue that connect the ankle bones.
| Sprained Ankle |
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Causes
Causes may be:
- Falling
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Sudden twisting of the ankle, such as:
- Stepping on an uneven surface or in a hole
- Taking an awkward step when running, jumping, or stepping up or down
- Rolling onto the ankle when playing sports or exercising
Risk Factors
This problem in more common in teenagers, young adults, and people who are active in sports. Some sports that may raise the risk are basketball, football, and ice hockey.
Other things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- A prior ankle sprain
- Limited range of motion in the ankle
- Poor balance and coordination
- Poor muscle strength
Symptoms
Problems may be:
- Pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle
- Ankle weakness
- Problems putting weight on the ankle, such as when walking or standing
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, health history, and how the injury happened. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the ankle. This is enough to make the diagnosis.
Images may be taken to make sure the ankle is not broken. This can be done with:
Treatment
Supportive Care
The goal is to ease pain and improve movement. This may be done with:
- Ice and rest to ease pain and swelling
- An ankle brace to keep the ankle from moving as it heals
- Medicine to ease pain and swelling
- Exercises to stretch and strengthen the ligaments that support the ankle
Prevention
The risk of an ankle sprain may be lowered by:
- Using the right techniques when playing sports
- Stretching and strengthening the ligaments that support the ankle
RESOURCES
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org
Sports Med—American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org
References
Ankle sprain. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/ankle-sprain . Updated April 30, 2018. Accessed March 27, 2020.
Sprained ankle. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00150. Updated February 2016. Accessed March 27, 2020.
Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Sprains%5FStrains/default.asp. Accessed March 27, 2020.
Vuurberg G, Hoorntje A, et al. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Aug;52(15):956.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
- Review Date: 02/2020
- Update Date: 03/27/2020