A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you twist or turn your ankle. This can stretch or tear the strong bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold the ankle bones together. An ankle sprain occurs when ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion.

Most sprains involve injuries to the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury.

While self-care measures and over-the-counter pain relievers may be all you need, a medical exam may be necessary to determine how badly you sprained your ankle and determine the appropriate treatment.

Symptoms of Ankle Sprains

Symptoms of an ankle sprain vary depending on the severity of the injury. These may include pain, especially when you press on the affected leg.

• Soreness when touching the ankle
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Limited range of motion
• Ankle instability
• Hopping or sounds at the same time as injuries

Causes of ankle sprains

Causes of a sprained ankle may include:

• A fall that sprains the ankle
• Landing on the foot after jumping or turning
• Walking or exercising on uneven ground
• Stepping or landing on another person’s foot

Risk factors

Factors that increase the risk of ankle sprains are sports. Ankle sprains are common sports injuries, especially in sports that require jumping, hopping, turning, or twisting the foot, such as basketball, tennis, soccer, football, and cross-country games.

Uneven surfaces: Walking or running on uneven surfaces or in poor outdoor conditions can increase the risk of ankle sprains.

Previous ankle injury: If you have sprained your ankle or suffered another ankle injury, you are more likely to sprain it again.

Poor physical condition: Poor ankle strength or flexibility can increase the risk of sprains during sports.

Wrong shoes: Shoes that don’t fit or aren’t appropriate for the activity, as well as high heels in general, make ankles more prone to injury.

Complications

If a sprained ankle is not properly treated, starting activities too soon after a sprained ankle or repeated ankle sprains can lead to the following complications:

• Chronic ankle pain
• Chronic ankle instability
• Ankle arthritis

Prevention of Ankle Sprains

Here are some tips to prevent ankle sprains or strains:

• Warm up before exercising or playing sports.
• Be careful when walking, running, or working on uneven surfaces.
• Use an ankle brace or tape on a weak or previously injured ankle.
• Wear shoes that fit well and are designed for your activity.
• Reduce the use of high heels.
• Do not play sports or participate in activities that are not required of you.
• Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility.
• Practice stability exercises, including balance exercises.

When to seek medical attention and call your doctor?

If you have ankle pain and swelling and suspect a sprain. Self-care measures may be all you need, but talk to your doctor about whether you should have your ankle evaluated. If signs and symptoms are severe, you may have a significant ligament tear or fracture in your ankle or lower leg.