What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Ankle Injury
• Ankle Ligament Injury
• Floppy Ankle

What is Ankle Sprain? (Definition/Background Information)

• An Ankle Sprain is a common injury that may be sustained by violent rolling, turning, or abnormal twisting of the ankle.
• It occurs when one or more ligaments of the ankle are violently stretched or torn, resulting in acute pain.
• The majority of Sprained Ankles occur in the ligaments, located on the outside of the ankle.

Who gets Ankle Sprain? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Although, men and women of any age, susceptible to an Ankle Sprain, this injury is more prevalent in athletes, who participate in sports
• Individuals, who are physically active, have the highest risk of Sprained Ankles

What are the Risk Factors for Ankle Sprain? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors of an Ankle Sprain include:

• Prior ankle injury: Individuals, who have sustained one or more Ankle Sprains, have an increased chance of the injury reoccurrence
• Athletics: Individuals, who participate in rough or high-impact sports, such as football and basketball are at an increased risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Ankle Sprain? (Etiology)

A few causes of Ankle Sprain include:

• Sports related injury: Participating in any rough or high impact sports
• Falls: A direct fall, causing the ankle to violently turn or twist, is one of the main causes of a Sprained Ankle
• Other causes include an awkward landing on the foot, or a sudden directional change

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Ankle Sprain?

The pain that accompanies an Ankle Sprain varies with the severity of the injury. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Sharp pain when weight is applied to the ankle
• Swelling surrounding the affected area, noticeable bruising
• Decreased range of ankle motion

How is Ankle Sprain Diagnosed?

Some tests a physician can use to help diagnose an Ankle Sprain include:

• X-ray of the ankle: X-rays use radiation in order to produce images of the ankle. It can also help the physician rule out other possible causes of ankle discomfort
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI is a more detailed scan in which, magnetic field and radio waves are used to produce images. This allows a physician to view any damage to the bones and soft tissue that surrounds the ankle
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan takes images of bones and soft tissue, such as ligaments that connect the joints together. This allows a physician to examine the extent of the injury
• Bone Scan: A bone scan is an image test in which, small amounts of radioactive material are injected into the bloodstream. This radioactive material gets absorbed into bone tissue and helpsin detecting the location of any bone abnormalities

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Ankle Sprain?

Some complications of Ankle Sprain include:

• Chronic instability: Individuals, who sustain Ankle Sprains, have an increased risk of chronic instability of the ankle joint, due to improper healing of the injured ligament
• Chronic pain: Any injury to the ankle ligaments may result in prolonged chronic pain
• Osteoarthritis: Individuals may have an increased risk of developing arthritis in the ankle joint

How is Ankle Sprain Treated?

The treatment an individual receives depends on the severity of the injured ligaments. Ankle Sprains may range from mild to severe, and may be classified as:

• Level I: Level I sprains occur, when the ligaments of the ankle are stretched, but not torn
• Level II: Level II sprains occur, when the ankle ligaments are partially torn, limiting a patient’s function and range of motion
• Level III: Level III sprains are, when the ligaments in the ankle are completely torn, requiring immediate medical and surgical treatment

Nonsurgical treatment measures include:

• Rest: Any activity that aggravates the ankle/foot condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activities, till the pain or symptoms get better
• Ice: Applying ice to the ankle can help reduce pain and swelling
• Splint or brace: The physician may prescribe a padded brace covering the ankle, to limit movement and help the injury to heal
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID): Certain medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help reduce mild to moderate pain in the ankle
• Physical therapy: After the signs and symptoms have abated, it is important to begin some light motion exercises. Physical therapy may help restore strength, as well as flexibility, in the muscles

A majority of Ankle Sprain injuries do not require any surgical intervention. Individuals with persistent and unrelenting pain will usually require a surgical procedure to repair any damaged ligaments. The surgical procedures include:

• Arthroscopy: An arthroscopic surgery is a moderately invasive surgical technique that is used to repair the ankle joint, using small surgical instruments. These instruments are inserted through a small incision within the ankle
• Open reconstructive surgery: An open reconstructive surgery is used to repair the injured ankle ligaments, using surgical orthopedic devices, stitches or sutures

How can Ankle Sprain be Prevented?

One has to be careful and consciously aware while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study or play; any probable dangers involved should be anticipated and safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or an Ankle Sprain include:

• Prevent falls: Wearing appropriate footwear, such as the proper shoe size, may help prevent accidents, or twisted ankles
• Use protective gear: Individuals, who participate in any high-risk sports, such as basketball, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of an Ankle Sprain

What is the Prognosis of Ankle Sprain? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A majority of Ankle Sprains heal without any serious complications, although some severe cases may require surgical intervention
• Sprained Ankles may usually require a healing time of 2-6 weeks, in order to achieve optimal results, although a severe injury may require a longer period
• When properly treated and rehabilitated, a high percentage of patients regain their full strength and range of motion in the injured ankle

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Ankle Sprain:

Pilon fracture and talus fracture, are two fracture types that involve the ankle.