An ankle sprain is the tearing of ankle ligaments often from a injury involving a fall, twist, or a blow. Sprains commonly occur during sports. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side to side movement. Patients experience pain most commonly on the outside of the ankle and bruising can be present. At Greater Houston Foot & Ankle Specialists we specialize in sports injuries.
We grade ankle sprains on their severity to know how quickly you can return to sports. The severity of an ankle sprain depends on whether the ligament is stretched, partially torn, or completely torn, as well as on the number of ligaments involved.
The signs and symptoms of ankle sprains may include: pain or soreness, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, stiffness in the joint. Sometimes pain and swelling are absent in people with previous ankle sprains. These patients feel like the ankle is unstable when they walk.
What are the risk factors for an ankle sprain?
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Jumping sports like basketball or volleyball
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Pes cavus (high arch)
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Prior ankle sprains
Treatment
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Ice
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Compression
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Elevation
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Immobilization
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Ankle brace
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Physical therapy. Dr. Stephen Moore and Dr. Gkotsoulias will start you on a rehabilitation program as quickly as possible to promote healing and increase your range of motion.