Sprained Ankle - General Information

Approximately 9 million folks get a sprained ankle every year. It's not just athletes... we are talking about every day people doing everyday activities. It certainly can and often does happen in most physical activities, but can also happen by walking on uneven ground, mis-stepping, tripping or stepping on an object and so on... They happen to people of all ages and they happen often.

So, what happens? Specifically, the ligaments of the ankle hold the ankle bones and joint in the correct position. They are like the glue that holds all the bones of the joint together. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements- especially twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot.

A ligament is an elastic structure, similar to a rubber band- they can stretch a certain length and then return to their normal position. But, when the ligaments of the ankle are forced to stretch beyond their capacity, a ankle sprain occurs. This is usually caused by speed and force placed on the ligaments as is the case in an accident. A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers.

Here are the Main types of Ankle Sprain:

1. The most common type if ankle sprain is known as an inversion sprain (or lateral ligament sprain) where the ankle turns over so the sole of the foot faces inwards. When this type of ankle sprain happens, the outer, or lateral ligaments are stretched too far and damaged. About 90% of ankle sprains are inversion injuries. Pain is always on the outside of the ankle, and there is usually no pain on the inside of the ankle joint.

2. 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, particularly the deltoid ligament.

3. In a high ankle sprain, the ligaments above the ankle joint are also injured. These ligaments, called the syndesmosis ligaments, can also be injured during an ankle sprain.

Here ate the 3 Grades of Ankle Injury Severity
When you experience an ankle sprain, it is the amount of force placed on your foot that will determine the grade of the sprain.

Grade 1 sprain: A mild sprain is a known as Grade 1. This occurs when there is slight stretching and some damage to the fibers (fibrils) of the ligament. Usually, you can place pressure on your foot and walk afterward.

• 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.

Grade 2 sprain: A moderate sprain is known as Grade 2. Here a partial tearing of the ligament occurs. If the ankle joint is examined and moved in certain ways, abnormal looseness (laxity) of the ankle joint occurs.

• Moderate tearing of the ligament fibers.
• Some instability of the joint.
• Moderate to severe pain and difficulty walking.
• Swelling and stiffness in the ankle joint.
• Minor bruising may be evident.

Grade 3 sprain: Finally, a severe sprain is known as Grade 3. In this kind of injury, a complete tear of the ligament occurs. If the examiner pulls or pushes on the ankle joint in certain movements, gross instability occurs.

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

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