Ankle Sprain Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention by eMedicineHealth.com

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Ankle Sprain

Treating a Sprained Ankle

Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD

Learn about treatment of a sprained ankle. A sprained ankle is one of the most common orthopedic injuries. Every day, about 25,000 people in the U.S. suffer an ankle sprain. Ankle sprains occur in both athletes and those with sedentary lifestyles, and they can occur during sports or when walking to carry out daily activities.

A sprain is actually an injury to the ligaments of the ankle joint, which are elastic, band-like structures that hold the bones of the ankle joint together and prevent excess turning and twisting of the joint. In normal movement, the ligaments can stretch slightly and then retract back to their normal shape and size. A sprain results when the ligaments of the ankle have been stretched beyond their limits. In severe sprains, the ligaments may be partially or completely torn.

To diagnose a sprained ankle, your doctor may order X-rays or other imaging studies to confirm that a bone has not been broken.

Learn the steps for proper treatment of an ankle sprain »

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Ankle Sprain Overview

The ankle joint, which connects the foot with the lower leg, is injured often. An unnatural twisting motion can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly, when the ground is uneven, or when an unusual amount of force is applied to the joint. Such injuries happen during athletic events, while running or walking, or even during everyday activities such as getting out of bed.

The ankle joint is made up of three bones.
- The tibia is the major bone of the lower leg, and it bears most of the body's weight. Its bottom portion forms the medial malleolus, the inside bump of the ankle.
- The fibula is the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg. Its lower end forms the lateral malleolus, the outer bump of the ankle.
- The talus is the top bone of the foot.
Tendons connect muscles to bones.
- Several muscles control motion at the ankle. Each has a tendon connecting it to one or more of the bones of the foot.
- Tendons can be stretched or torn when the joint is subjected to greater than normal stress.
- Tendons also can be pulled off the bone. An example of an injury of this type would be an Achilles tendon rupture.
Ligaments provide connection between bones. Sprains are injuries to the ligaments.
- The ankle has many bones that come together to form the joint, so it has many ligaments holding it together. Stress on these ligaments can cause them to stretch or tear.
- The most commonly injured ligament is the anterior talofibular ligament that connects the front part of the fibula to the talus bone on the front-outer part of the ankle joint.