Ankle Sprains & Treatments
Ankle sprains are common injuries
that occur when ligaments are stretched
or torn. The ankle sprain is the most
common athletic injury. Nearly 85% of
ankle sprains occur laterally, or on the
outside of ankle joints. Sprains on the
inside ligaments are less common.
Many sprains occur when participating in sports, or by
twisting the ankle when walking on an uneven surface.
Some individuals, due to their bone structure or foot type,
are more prone to ankle sprains.
Anatomy of the Ankle Joint
The ankle joint is made up of three bones. The bones are
called the tibia, fibula and talus. These bones form a socket
in which the ankle joint moves.
The tibia, fibula and talus are connected to each other by
ligaments. Think of ligaments as thick rubber bands that hold
bones together so that joints are stable and function properly.
When an ankle is sprained, a ligament is either stretched, partially
torn, or completely torn. Muscle and tendon structures surround
the ligaments. These structures provide motion of the ankle joint
for walking and running. Blood vessels, nerves and skin overlie
the ligaments and tendons. The ankle joint moves the foot
upward and downward. Just below the ankle joint is a ball and
socket type joint that allows inward and outward motion.

Ankle Injury Symptoms
Ankle sprain symptoms vary depending on severity. Often,
the ankle is tender, swollen and discolored. The ankle can be
quite painful to touch. Walking is usually hampered and may
become difficult depending on the severity of the sprain. A
feeling of instability may occur, especially in severe ankle sprains
when ligaments are torn. Ankle sprains are classified by “types”
and range from mild to moderate to severe. Classifying ankle
sprains helps the podiatric foot and ankle surgeon diagnose
the specific structures involved in the injury. This also helps
determine appropriate treatment plans for each type of ankle
sprain. Type I ankle sprain, the least severe, occurs when ligament
fibers have been stretched or slightly torn. Type II sprain occurs
when some of these fibers or ligaments are completely torn.
Type III, the most severe, occurs when the entire ligament is
torn and there is significant instability of the ankle joint.
Fractures of the ankle bone or outside the foot bone may be
present. Fractures require immediate diagnosis and attention
for appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
The podiatric foot and ankle surgeon examines the ankle to
identify the type of ankle sprain and determine the appropriate
method of treatment. X-rays or specialized X-ray views of the
ankle and foot may also be used to reveal any fractures,
dislocations or instability of the ankle joint. Less frequently,
more sophisticated testing is necessary to examine soft tissue
injuries. For example, computerized tomography (CT) and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) give detailed views of the
bone and soft tissue structures around the ankle joint. Once
the diagnosis is made, the podiatric foot and ankle surgeon
recommends appropriate therapy.
Treatments
Initial treatment includes rest, ice, compression and elevation
(RICE). The “RICE” method promotes healing, decreases
pain and reduces swelling around the ankle joint. In more
severe cases, non weight-bearing activities are encouraged and
crutches may be recommended.
Compression may be achieved with an elastic bandage, splint,
short leg cast or brace, depending on severity. Compression
eliminates motion around the ankle joint. The ability to walk
or participate in other weight-bearing activities during the healing
process depends on the severity or type of ankle sprain. This
is determined by the podiatric foot and ankle surgeon once
the diagnosis is made.
Most ankle sprains heal in three to eight weeks. In more severe
cases, ligaments may require more healing time to promote ankle
stability. Repeated ankle sprains may cause chronic instability,
interfering with walking or sports activities. In this case, the
podiatric foot and ankle surgeon may recommend a surgical
procedure to tighten or create new ligaments around the ankle
joint to re-establish stability of the ankle joint.
Conservative treatment of many foot and ankle problems often
promotes pain relief. For example, ankle strengthening exercises
following the injury help prevent recurrence of injury. Most of
these exercises can be done at home after appropriate instruction.
Ankle supports and braces or taping around the ankle joint is
especially helpful for individuals participating in sports. Your
podiatric foot and ankle surgeon may recommend preventive
bracing to help prevent future injury.
Summary
The adage “it is better to break an ankle than sprain one” need
not apply if the injury is appropriately diagnosed and treated by
the podiatric foot and ankle surgeon.
Properly treated, the rehabilitated ankle can tolerate normal
activities and the stress of participating in sports. The podiatric
foot and ankle surgeon is a foot and ankle specialist who diagnoses
foot and ankle conditions and determines appropriate treatment.
While these are some of the most commonly prescribed
treatments for ankle sprains, others may be used. The podiatric
foot and ankle surgeon will determine which treatment is
likely to be the most successful in each case.
Back to Conditions & Treatments
Appointments Contacts & Location Information
The Podiatrists
FFS Home