Ankle Sprain Injuries
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- What is a Podiatrist?
- When To Call a Doctor
- Foot Anatomy
- Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems
- Basic Foot Care Guidelines
- Foot Problems
- General Statistics
- Achilles Problems
- Ankle Problems
- Arch and Ball Problems
- Common Foot Injuries
- Deformities
- Amniotic Band Syndrome
- Bunions
- Claw Toe
- Clubfoot
- Dysplasia (Epiphysealis Hemimelica)
- Enchondroma
- Flat Feet
- Gordon Syndrome
- Haglund's Deformity
- Hallux Limitus (Stiff Big Toe Joint)
- Hallux Rigidus (Stiff Big Toe)
- Hallux Varus
- Hammertoes
- Jackson-Weiss Syndrome
- Mallet Toes
- Metatarsalgia
- Osteomyelitis (Bone Infections)
- Overlapping or Underlapping Toes
- Peroneal Tendon Dislocation/Dysfunction
- Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
- Sesamoiditis
- Spurs
- Tarsal Coalition
- Diabetes and Your Feet
- Diseases of the Foot
- Fungus Problems
- Heel Problems
- Nail Problems
- Skin Problems
- Toe Problems
- Medical Care
- Fitness and Your Feet
- Foot Care
- Basic Foot Care Guidelines
- Athletic Foot Care
- Blisters
- Children's Feet
- Corns and Calluses
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Exercise Those Toes!
- Foot Care For Seniors
- Foot Self-Exam
- Pedicures
- Self-Assessment Quiz
- Women's Feet
- Your Feet at Work
- Bunion Prevention
- Burning Feet
- Fungus Problems
- Ingrown Nails
- Osteoporosis
- Foot Odor and Smelly Feet
- Shoes
- Links
Ankle sprains are caused by an unnatural twisting or force on the ankle bones of the foot, which may result in excessive stretching or tearing of one or more ligaments on the outside of the ankle. The severity of the sprain can impact the degree of damage as well as the type and duration of treatment. If not properly treated, ankle sprains may develop into long-term problems.
Primary symptoms of ankle sprains are pain following a twist or injury, swelling, and bruising.
Treatment includes resting and elevating the ankle and applying ice to reduce swelling. Compressive bandages also may be used to immobilize and support the injury during healing. Serious ankle sprains, particularly among competitive athletes, may require surgery to repair and tighten the damaged ligaments.
To prevent ankle sprains, try to maintain strength, balance, and flexibility in the foot and ankle through exercise and stretching, and wearing well-fitted shoes.