Ankle Sprains
posted: Mar. 12, 2014.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is an unnatural twisting motion of the ankle joint which occurs when the foot is placed awkwardly, when walking on uneven ground, or when an unusual amount of force is applied to the joint. A sprain involves injury to the ligaments of the ankle joint.
Inversion Ankle Sprain is the most common type of ankle sprain. This occurs when the foot is inverted too much, affecting the lateral side of the foot. When this type of ankle sprain happens, the outer, or lateral, ligaments are stretched too much. The anterior talofibular ligament is one of the most commonly involved ligaments in this type of sprain. Approximately 70-85% of ankle sprains are inversion injuries.
Eversion Ankle Sprain is a less common type of ankle sprain, affecting the medial side of the foot. This occurs when the medial, or deltoid, ligament is stretched too much.
High Ankle Sprain is an injury to the large ligaments above the ankle that joint together the two long bones of the lower leg, called the tibia, and fibula. High ankle sprains commonly occur from a sudden and forceful outward twisting of the foot, which commonly occurs in contact and cutting sports such as football, rugby, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, baseball, softball, soccer, track, and tennis.
It is important to know that ankle sprains require prompt medical attention. If left untreated, an ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability, increasing your risk of recurrent sprains and "unsteadiness" when walking. In addition, a more serious injury, i.e. a serious bone fracture, may go unnoticed without a thorough exam. The ankle injury may not heal properly if rehabilitation of the ankle is delayed.
Ankle sprain symptoms can include:
- Pain or soreness
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on foot/ankle
- Stiffness
Symptoms will vary in intensity depending on the severity of the ankle sprain.
Do you have an Ankle Sprain? If so, call to schedule your appointment today!