whAT IS AN ANKLE SPRAIN?
An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments of the ankle joint. It occurs when these ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range of motion—often due to a twist, misstep, or sudden impact.
Involved Anatomy
Lateral Ligaments:
- Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL)
- Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)
- Posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL)
Medial Ligament:
- Deltoid ligament
Syndesmotic ligaments (high ankle sprain):
- Ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula
Common Causes
- Missteps on uneven surfaces
- Sudden change in direction during sports
- Poor footwear
- History of previous ankle sprains (increases risk
Sprain vs. Strain vs. Fracture
|
Injury Type |
Description |
|
Sprain |
Ligament injury |
|
Strain |
Muscle or tendon injury |
|
Fracture |
Broken bone |
Types & Grades of Ankle Sprains
Inversion Sprain
Foot twists inward, affecting lateral ligaments.
Eversion Sprain
Foot twists outward, affecting the medial (deltoid) ligament.
High Ankle Sprain
Injury to the ligaments between the tibia and fibula
| Grade | Details |
|---|---|
| I | Mild stretching Slight swelling, minimal pain 1–2 weeks |
| II | Partial tear Moderate pain, slight instability 3–6 weeks |
| III | Complete rupture Significant swelling, bruising, major instability 8–12 weeks or more |