Ankle sprain

In short,an ankle sprain is one of the most common types of injury and is accompanied by the swollen tissue around the ankle bone. Medically speaking, it is a stretching and tearing of ligaments (Just for clarification, you sprain a ligament and strain a muscle).

The most common damage done in an ankle sprain is to the talo-fibula ligament. If the injury is worse you might also damage the calcanao-fibula ligament. In addition to the ligament damage you could well have damaged tendons as well.

There are three degrees of ligament sprain:


First degree:

• Some stretching or perhaps tearing of the ligament
• Little or no joint instability
• Mild pain
• Little swelling
• Some joint stiffness

Second degree:

• Some tearing of the ligament fibres
• Moderate instability of the joint
• Moderate to severe pain
• Swelling and stiffness

Third degree:

• Total rupture of a ligament
• Gross instability of the joint
• Severe pain initially followed by no pain
• Severe swelling

What can an athlete do?

• Aim to reduce the swelling by RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) as soon as possible.
• Protect the injured ankle by taping or a support (although do not rely on them for ever as this will weaken the joint)
• Rest the injured ankle - use crutches if necessary - no weight bearing for 24 hours, longer if necessary
• See a sports injury specialist who can advise on rehabilitation including mobility, and strengthening