Although the term "sprained ankle" is often used loosely, a true sprain involves tears in the fibers of the ligaments that connect the bones and cartilage around the ankle. A sprain occurs when a violent twist, stretch or blow causes the joint to move outside its normal range of motion, and the tissues of the ligaments become torn.
Ankles can become sprained in a wide range of situations, including the following:
- While running or hiking on uneven ground
- When jumping up and landing wrong, as in basketball
- When wearing shoes inappropriate to a particular sport
- Getting hit during contact sports, such as football or basketball
No matter how an ankle sprain occurs, the symptoms usually include rapid swelling and bruising of the ankle, impaired joint function, and pain and tenderness in the ankle.
In most cases, a sprained ankle can bear weight about 24 hours after the injury and be fully healed within two weeks, but sprains vary in severity. Repeated minor sprains can lead to a weakening of the joint and to more sprains. Surgery and casts may be necessary if the health of the joint has been seriously compromised.
In most cases and ordinary sprain requires the following treatment, known by the acronym RICE
When the sprain occurs, visit a healthcare provider. He or she can x-ray the joint to make sure there has been no fracture, assess the severity of the injury, and prescribe anti-inflammatory pain medication. In the meantime, a painkiller like aspirin or ibuprofen usually helps.
If you would like to know more about sprains and how to avoid them, see your healthcare provider or a sports medicine specialist.