Ankle Sprains

Overview

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An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments that stabilize the ankle joint are stretched or torn, typically following a sudden twisting injury, awkward landing, or rolling of the ankle. Most sprained ankles involve the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle, although injuries may also affect the inner ankle or the syndesmosis, resulting in a high ankle sprain.

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Ankle sprains are among the most common foot and ankle injuries and range in severity from mild ligament stretching (grade 1), partial ligament tears (grade 2), or complete ligament tears (grade 3). Without proper diagnosis, ankle sprain treatment, and rehabilitation, these injuries may lead to persistent ankle pain, recurrent sprains, chronic ankle instability, or long-term joint dysfunction.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of a sprained ankle vary depending on the location and severity of the ligament injury. Common signs include:

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• Ankle Pain: Discomfort along the inside or outside of the ankle, particularly when walking or bearing weight.

• Swelling & Bruising: Inflammation and discoloration around the injured ankle, sometimes extending into the foot.

• Tenderness: Pain when touching the affected ligaments or surrounding structures.

• Difficulty Walking: Pain, stiffness, or reduced ability to place weight on the injured foot.

• Ankle Instability: A sensation that the ankle is weak, unsteady, or may give way.

• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty bending, rotating, or moving the ankle normally.

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Severe ankle sprains can produce symptoms similar to an ankle fracture, making an accurate diagnosis important.

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Evaluation & Diagnosis

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Diagnosing an ankle sprain begins with a review of how the injury occurred, your symptoms, and your ability to walk or bear weight. A comprehensive foot and ankle examination helps identify areas of ligament tenderness, swelling, instability, and possible associated injuries.

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When indicated, digital X-rays may be obtained to evaluate for fractures or other bone injuries. For more complex injuries, suspected tendon damage, or persistent symptoms, advanced imaging such as MRI may be recommended to assess the ligaments and surrounding soft tissues. Identifying the location and severity of the injury allows us to develop an appropriate treatment plan and reduce the risk of future ankle problems.

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​Treatment for Sprained Ankle

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Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the ligament injury, the degree of instability, and your activity level. Most ankle sprains can be treated without surgery through a combination of:

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• Rest & Activity Modification: Temporarily reducing activities that aggravate pain or place additional stress on injured ligaments.

• Compression & Elevation: Helping manage swelling and discomfort during the early stages of recovery.

• Bracing or Immobilization: Using an ankle brace, supportive device, or walking boot when appropriate to protect healing ligaments.

• Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation: Restoring ankle strength, flexibility, balance, and stability to reduce the risk of reinjury.

• Anti-Inflammatory Treatment: Using appropriate medications or other conservative measures to manage pain and inflammation.

• Medical Laser Therapy: Targeted medical laser therapy has shown effectiveness in speeding up the recovery from an ankle sprain by reducing inflammation and promoting the body's own healing mechanisms.

• Surgical Intervention: Considered in select cases involving persistent mechanical instability or significant associated injuries that do not respond to appropriate nonsurgical care.