Ankle sprain

An ankle sprain is an injury that happens when you stretch or tear the ligaments in your ankle. Most sprains happen when you twist your ankle. Afterward, the ankle usually becomes swollen and painful.

Even though ankle sprains are common, they aren't always minor injuries. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

With most ankle sprains, you feel pain right away at the site of the tear. Often the ankle starts to swell right away and may develop bruising. The ankle area is usually tender to touch, and it hurts to move it.

In more severe sprains, you may hear and/or feel something tear, along with a pop or snap. You will probably have extreme pain at first and won't be able to walk or even put weight on your foot. Usually, the more pain and swelling you have, the more severe your ankle sprain is and the longer it will take to heal.

Your doctor will ask you how the injury occurred and if you have hurt your ankle before. The doctor will check your foot and ankle, your lower leg, and even your knee to see if you are hurt anywhere else. The doctor may ask you to move your foot up and down and to take a few steps if you can.

In some cases, the doctor may order X-rays to be sure there isn't a broken bone in the ankle or the foot. Children often have X-rays so the doctor can check for any damage to the bone's growth plate.

In many cases, you can first use the RICE approach to treat your ankle:

• Rest. You may need to use crutches until you can walk without pain.
• Ice. For the first 48 to 72 hours, apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours during the day.
• Compression. An elastic compression wrap will help decrease swelling during the first 24 to 36 hours.
• Elevation. Raise your ankle above the level of your heart while applying ice and whenever you are sitting or lying down. This will help to decrease swelling and bruising.

For pain, you can try an over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen or naproxen.

You may want to wear hiking books or other high-top, lace-up shoes for support. For severe sprains, you can try a splint or brace.

After the initial swelling and pain decrease, rehab exercises can help to make sure your ankle heals right, prevent reinjury, and avoid ongoing problems.

Ankle sprains take an average of 6 weeks to heal. But a sprain can take 12 weeks or more to heal. It depends on how bad it is.

An ankle brace, air stirrup, hiking boot, high-top shoe or boot, or another form of ankle support should be worn to protect the ligaments as your ankle heals. After the ankle is healed, wearing an ankle brace or taping the ankle may help prevent reinjury.

For more painful and severe sprains, you might be able to bear some weight while using crutches and a protective brace, such as a brace with a built-in air cushion or another form of ankle support. Follow your doctor's instructions on how much weight you can put on your ankle.

If your doctor or physical therapist gives you ankle exercises to do, be sure to do them exactly as instructed.

Some people who have repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.