SPRAINED ANKLE / ANKLE SPRAIN

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WHAT IS A SPRAINED ANKLE?

A medial ligament sprain is rare but can occur particularly with a fracture. This happens when the ankle rolls the other way, so the sole of the foot faces outwards, damaging the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.

The most common damage sustained in a sprained ankle is to the anterior talo-fibula ligament shown towards the front of the image opposite. This ligament, as the name suggests, connects the talus (ankle bone) with the fibula (smaller of the two bones in the lower leg). If the sprain is severe there might also be damage to the calcaneo-fibula ligament (connects the heel bone to the fibula) which is further back towards the heel. This ligament only becomes injured in more severe injuries due to its increased strength and laxity whilst the toes are pointed (a common position for injuries).

In addition to the ligament damage there may also be damage to tendons, bone and other joint tissues, which is why it is important to get a professional to diagnose your ankle sprain. Complete ruptures of the anterior talo-fibular, calcaneo-fibular and posterior talo-fibular ligaments results in dislocation of the ankle joint and is often associated with a fracture.

A sprained ankle is classified into three categories depending on severity:

First degree ankle sprain

• Some stretching or perhaps minor tearing of the lateral ankle ligaments
  
• Little or no joint instability
  
• Mild pain
  
• There may be mild swelling around the bone on the outside of the ankle
  
• Some joint stiffness or difficulty walking or running

Second degree ankle sprain

• Moderate tearing of the ligament fibers
  
• Some instability of the joint

Third Degree Ankle Sprain

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

Treatment

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