ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries of the foot and ankle. Sprains can range both in location and severity. The definition of ankle sprain is a tearing or stretching of the ligaments that hold the ankle together. Whether the ligaments are stretched or completely torn as well as how many ligaments are involved defines the severity of the sprain.

The most common ankle sprain is of the outside of the ankle. There are three main ligaments on the outside of the ankle. A sprain of this part of the ankle can involve all three ligaments or just one. The most common cause of this sprain is stepping on uneven ground or someone else's foot and rolling the ankle out. This sprain is usually accompanied by immediate pain and sometimes an audible popping sound. Depending on the severity of the sprain and which ligaments were torn, bruising will occur and the ankle will swell. The pattern of bruising is often a way of determining which ligaments or ligament was torn. The more severe sprains can also be accompanied by fractures, and tendon tears. There can also be sprains of additional joints in the rear foot.

Sprains of the inside of the ankle are less common but do occur. They can occur in conjunction with sprains of the outside of the ankle or by themselves. Sprains are less common due to the fact that there are more and thick or ligaments holding the ankle together. The sprains are commonly caused by twisting motion in the ankle. Like sprains of the outside of the ankle, severe sprains can be accompanied by fractures and tendon tears. Again the pattern of bruising will usually indicate which ligaments have torn.

The immediate treatment of sprains is mainly based on decreasing pain, immobilizing the ankle, and decreasing the swelling. This can be done in a number of ways, usually depending on the severity of the sprain. In our Podiatry office we have a number of immobilization and compression devices to aid in the immediate recovery.

The long-term recovery from a sprain will depend greatly on the severity of the sprain and how the patient was treated immediately after the sprain. When the ligaments are torn or stretched they can heal longer than their original size. This leaves the ankle less stable and predisposed to more sprains in the future. A way to prevent this is to immobilize the ankle right after the sprain, and then strengthen the ankle once the initial healing stage has been completed. The strengthening is usually done through physical therapy. As your Podiatrist I will evaluate your progression and healing and decide the proper timing for physical therapy. I will also assist you in finding a physical therapist that can suit your needs.

Ankle sprains can range greatly in their severity. They can cause long-term disability if not treated properly and quickly. If you have an injury like this you should come to the office immediately to start treatment, and the road to recovery.