Ankle Sprain
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention |
Organizations
Definition
An ankle sprain is partial tearing of the ligaments that support the ankle. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other.
Causes
Ankle sprains may be caused by:
- Falling
- 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
- Inversion of the foot when playing sports or exercising, which causes your ankle to "roll over"
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition or injury.
- Playing sports
- Poor coordination
- Poor balance
- Inadequate flexibility and strength in muscles and ligaments
- Loose joints
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain, swelling and bruising around the ankle
- Worsening of pain when walking, standing, pressing on the sore area, or moving the ankle inward
- Inability to move the ankle joint without pain
- Popping or tearing sound at the time of the injury (possibly)
Diagnosis
An ankle sprain may not require a visit to the doctor. However, you should call your doctor if:
- You can't move your ankle.
- You can't put any weight on that foot.
- Pain is over a bony part of your foot or ankle.
- Pain interferes significantly with walking.
- Pain is not relieved by ice, pain relief medication and elevation.
- You feel numbness in the leg, foot or ankle.
- Pain does not improve within 5-7 days
- You are not certain about the severity of the injury.
- You don't know how to care for this injury.
The doctor will:
- Ask about your symptoms and how the injury occurred
- Examine your ankle to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury
Tests may include:
- X-rays – to make sure that no bones are broken
- MRI scan – to see if a ligament has torn completely (rarely needed)
Ankle sprains are graded according to the damage to the ligaments. In addition, the more ligaments involved the more severe the injury.
Grade1
- Some microtearing of ligament tissue
Grade 2
- Partial tearing of ligament tissue
- Mild instability of the joint
- Usually involves damage to two or three ankle ligaments
Grade 3
- Severe or complete tearing of ligament tissue
- Significant instability of the joint
Treatment
Treatment includes:
Rest – Avoid putting any pressure on your ankle by not walking on it.
Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack to the ankle for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day for at least 2 to 3 days. This helps reduce pain and swelling. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Compression – Wrap your ankle in an elastic compression bandage (e.g., Ace bandage). This will limit swelling of your ankle.
Elevation – Keep your ankle raised above the level of your heart for 48 hours. This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Medication – Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Aspirin
Brace – You may need to wear a brace to immobilize your ankle. If you play sports, you may need to wear an ankle brace or tape your ankle when you return to play.
Leg Cast – If you have a severe sprain, your doctor may recommend a short leg cast for 2-3 weeks, but this is very rare.
Rehabilitation Exercises – Begin exercises to restore flexibility, range of motion, and strength of the muscles around your ankle as recommended by your health care professional.
Surgery – Surgery is rarely needed to repair an ankle sprain. However, it may be needed to repair a ligament that is torn completely.
Prevention
Many ankle sprains cannot be prevented. To reduce your risk of spraining an ankle:
- Take a break from sports or exercise when you feel tired.
- Do exercises that strengthen leg and foot muscles.
- Learn the proper technique for exercise and sporting activities. This will decrease stress on all your muscles, ligaments and tendons, including those around your ankle.
Organizations
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org
SOURCES:
Sports Injuries: Basic Principles of Prevention and Care. Blackwell Scientific Publications, 1993.
"Ankle Sprain." eMedicine Consumer Journal, January 13, 2001.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Last reviewed September 2001 by Medical Review Board
