Sprain Ankle

An inversion ankle sprain is the most common type of ankle sprain. Approximately 90% of all ankle sprains are of the inversion type. In an inversion sprain, the foot falls inward, stretching the three lateral, or outer, ligaments farther than they normally stretch. In these cases there is usually no pain experienced on the interior side of the ankle joint. Sprained ankles are one of the most frequently treated orthopedic injuries.

The most common cause of inversion sprains is when the foot is suddenly moved in an unnatural way. This is usually a twisting or sideways movement that occurs when a person takes an awkward step. Also, slips can cause an inversion sprain when walking on slippery surfaces. Another common cause is when a person is running or jumping on uneven surfaces such as curbs or surfaces like gravel that are not completely stable. In addition, it is frequently seen as a sports injury when athletes have their foot stepped on by other athletes.

Symptoms of an ankle sprain are usually bruising, swelling, and pain that may cause difficulty in walking or applying pressure. The severity of symptoms is marked by three different grade levels. A grade 1 sprain has symptoms of pain and swelling, but a patient can walk without major difficulty. These patients may not be able to jog or jump due to the impact pain involved. Grade 2 sprains are more severe and involve a partial tear of the ligaments. There will be bleeding under the skin and more pronounced bruising and pain. Patients have limited walking ability, usually only being able to walk a few steps before experiencing pain. Severe ankle sprains are classified as grade 3. These sprained ankles have complete tearing of the ligaments. Walking is nearly impossible due to pressure causing extreme pain. Patients often state that they feel no stability in their ankles with grade 3 sprains.

If a patient has experienced an ankle sprain that makes walking difficult or has pronounced swelling, then a local physician should be contacted to examine the injury. The doctor will likely perform an x-ray to determine if the injury is a sprain or a more serious fracture of the bones in the ankle. Another reason to seek medical help is if there is no feeling in a patient's toes. This may indicate a more serious condition. Inversion ankle sprain treatment will involve the RICE method of treatment. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and refers to the four aspects of treatment. For 1-2 days a patient should not put undue pressure on the injury and should use ice to reduce the swelling. In addition, the ankle should be elevated higher than the patient's heart as much as possible and the injury should be wrapped with a bandage to ease an inversion ankle sprain.