According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, about 25,000 people sprain their ankles every day. Ankle sprains occur when a ligament is stretched or torn; they are often caused when people play sports or do other rigorous physical activities. If you sprain your ankle, visit your doctor to diagnose the severity of the injury. You will need to ice, elevate and wrap your ankle in bandages to allow your ligaments to heal. It may take a few days or a few weeks before you can walk on your ankle again. I Dale Davidson/Demand MediaTake it easy. Since your ankle is still healing, only walk short distances at a slow pace.
Buying guide for best ankle braces. Can I still sprain my ankle when wearing an ankle brace? Although wearing an ankle brace considerably reduces the likelihood of spraining your ankle, it cannot prevent it altogether. In some cases, a sprain is unavoidable. But wearing an ankle brace will lower the odds of sustaining an ankle injury.
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If your ankle hurts when you put weight on it, you may need to use crutches until it heals more. TipsTake ibuprofen to treat mild to medium amounts of pain. If the pain in your ankle is severe, do not put any weight on it and speak to your doctor.To prevent sprained ankles in the future, make sure to wear supportive shoes, to warm-up before you exercise and to exercise in places where the ground is even. WarningsAllow your ankle to fully heal before you tackle vigorous sports such as running, tennis, and basketball. If your ankle ligaments do not heal fully, you risk the chance of developing muscle weakness, instability and chronic pain.
SymptomsSigns and symptoms of a sprained ankle vary depending on the severity of the injury. They may include:. Pain, especially when you bear weight on the affected foot. Tenderness when you touch the ankle. Swelling. Bruising. Restricted range of motion.
Instability in the ankle. Popping sensation or sound at the time of injuryWhen to see a doctorCall your doctor if you have pain and swelling in your ankle and you suspect a sprain. Self-care measures may be all you need, but talk to your doctor to discuss whether you should have your ankle evaluated. If signs and symptoms are severe, you may have significant damage to a ligament or a broken bone in your ankle or lower leg.
Sprained ankleA sprained ankle is the stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, which support the joint by connecting bones to each other.A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, which can cause one or more of the ankle's ligaments to stretch, partially tear or tear completely.Causes of a sprained ankle might include:. A fall that causes your ankle to twist. Landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping or pivoting. Walking or exercising on an uneven surface.
Another person stepping or landing on your foot during a sports activity. More Information.Risk factorsFactors that increase your risk of a sprained ankle include:. Sports participation.
Ankle sprains are a common sports injury, particularly in sports that require jumping, cutting action, or rolling or twisting of the foot such as basketball, tennis, football, soccer and trail running. Uneven surfaces. Walking or running on uneven surfaces or poor field conditions may increase the risk of an ankle sprain. Prior ankle injury. Once you've sprained your ankle or had another type of ankle injury, you're more likely to sprain it again.
Poor physical condition. Poor strength or flexibility in the ankles may increase the risk of a sprain when participating in sports.
Improper shoes. Sprained ankle.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Accessed May 25, 2017. Maughan KL. Ankle sprain. Accessed May 25, 2017. Kaminski TW, et al.
National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. 2013;48:528. How to care for a sprained ankle.
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. To Care for a Sprained Ankle.aspx?PF=1. Accessed May 25, 2017.
Safran MR, et al. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. Accessed May 25, 2017. Porter DA, et al.
Principles of rehabilitation for the foot and ankle. In: Baxter's The Foot and Ankle in Sport. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. Accessed May 27, 2017.