Can I injure an ankle ligament?
An ankle ligament can be injured when it moves in the wrong direction, stretches too far or tears. A ligament injury is called a sprain.
A sprained ankle is a very common injury. It happens to people of all ages and levels of health. An ankle sprain usually occurs when someone twists the ankle. For example:
- Falling or almost falling.
- Having someone step on your foot, forcing it into an unnatural position.
- Playing sports that require rolling the foot or cutting back and forth in different directions quickly (for example, basketball, soccer and tennis).
- Walking or running on uneven surfaces (such as a trail).
The three main types of ankle sprains include:
- Inversion ankle sprain: This happens when the ankle rolls inward, injuring the lateral ligaments. This is the most common type of ankle sprain, as the lateral ligaments are weaker than the other ankle ligaments.
- Eversion ankle sprain: This occurs when the ankle rolls outward and injures the medial (deltoid) ligaments. This type of ankle sprain is not common, but it can occur during running or jumping, especially on uneven surfaces.
- High ankle sprain: This type of sprain affects the syndesmotic ligaments. It typically occurs in competitive athletes who experience a forceful blow to the ankle or extreme twisting motion. It’s particularly common in people who participate in American football, basketball, hockey, soccer and snow skiing.
What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?
If you injure an ankle ligament, symptoms may include:
- Bruising.
- Loose feeling in the ankle.
- Pain on the sides or front of the ankle.
- Popping or snapping sound.
- Swelling around the ankle joint.
- Trouble bearing weight on the ankle or foot.
- Weakness in the ankle joint.
Does an ankle sprain require medical attention?
Most sprains are mild, but they can be severe. If you have a moderate to severe ankle sprain or repeat sprains, you should talk to a healthcare professional. Sprains can weaken your ankle, increasing the chances that you’ll injure it again. They can also cause lasting pain.
How can a healthcare provider tell if I’ve injured an ankle ligament?
If you think you have a sprained ankle, a healthcare provider may:
- Ask you about your symptoms and when they started.
- Conduct a physical exam by looking at the injured ankle, assessing how it moves and comparing it to the other ankle.
- Take X-rays to rule out a broken bone or other problems.
- If your pain isn’t improving, your provider may order other imaging tests, such as MRI, to take pictures of the ankle ligaments.
How are ankle sprains classified?
A healthcare provider will grade your ankle injury by how severe it is and what symptoms you have:
- Grade 1: A grade 1 injury to an ankle ligament is a minor sprain. It means a ligament is overstretched or just slightly torn. With a grade 1 ankle strain, you’ll experience some pain, swelling and maybe bruising. But you’ll still be able to put weight on the affected leg and bend and rotate the ankle.
- Grade 2: A grade 2 ankle sprain is a moderate (partial) tear of the ligament. Symptoms include bruising, swelling and some pain. With a grade 2 injury, you’ll have some difficulty putting weight on the leg. You may also have trouble bending or rotating the ankle.
- Grade 3: A grade 3 injury is a complete tear or rupture of an ankle ligament. With this level of injury, you’ll have severe bruising, swelling and pain. You won’t be able to put weight on the affected leg, and you won’t be able to bend or rotate the ankle.
What are the common treatments for a sprained ankle?
Treatment for an ankle ligament injury can vary greatly, depending on:
- The severity of the ankle injury (grade 1, 2 or 3).
- Whether pain or trouble moving the ankle is interfering with your life.
- Whether you’re at risk for additional ankle injuries in the future.
Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment for your particular injury, ranging from surgical to nonsurgical:
- Rest, ice, compression (using an elastic bandage) and elevation (RICE).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Assistive devices (for example, crutches to help you keep weight off the ankle).
- Immobilization (such as a boot to hold your ankle in place while it heals).
- Physical therapy to strengthen the ankle and improve balance.
- Surgery is rarely required after an acute ankle sprain. Occasionally, people can repeatedly sprain their ankles. They may require surgery to repair the ankle ligaments.
