Ankle Sprain

Stretched or torn ligaments

An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that hold your ankle together get stretched or torn. Most sprains hurt the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

The high ankle sprain

A less common type, called a high ankle sprain, hurts the ligaments that hold your two lower leg bones together, just above the ankle. It can happen when the foot twists outward, and it usually needs more time and care to heal.

Myth or fact?

• A sprain and a strain are the same injury. Myth. A sprain hurts a ligament (bone to bone). A strain hurts a muscle or tendon.

The roll

Most sprains happen when the foot rolls so the sole turns inward. That stretches the outside ligaments past their limit.

The signs

Pain on the outside of the ankle, swelling, bruising, and trouble putting weight on the foot. With a bad tear, you might hear or feel a pop.

Sprain or break?

A bad sprain and a broken bone can look the same. In kids, an ankle injury can also hurt a growth plate instead of a ligament. That's why a bad ankle injury should be checked by a doctor, who may order an X-ray.

Jumping and cutting sports

Basketball, volleyball, soccer, and football see lots of ankle sprains, because of all the jumping, landing, and quick cuts.

When ankles keep giving way

After a sprain, some athletes keep feeling their ankle give way and keep spraining it. This is called chronic ankle instability. Not finishing rehab is the most common cause, so finish it after every sprain.

Myth or fact?

• Having sprained your ankle before is one of the biggest risk factors for spraining it again. Fact. A past sprain is the most common reason for a repeat sprain. The ankle can stay less steady, especially if rehab isn't finished.

Balance training works

Balance programs, like single-leg stands and wobble boards, lower the risk of ankle sprains when you stick with them for at least 3 months. They help the most for athletes who've sprained an ankle before.

Extra support

For athletes who've sprained an ankle before, a lace-up brace or tape can lower the chance of another sprain. An athletic trainer can help you choose.

Myth or fact?

• Wearing an ankle brace means you can skip balance training. Myth. Braces and balance training both help lower the risk of ankle sprains. One doesn't replace the other, so do both.

The first few days

Protect the ankle, put ice wrapped in a cloth on it, use a wrap for gentle compression, and keep it raised. An adult or athletic trainer can help.

Get moving again

For most mild and medium sprains, gently moving the ankle and walking on it as soon as it's comfortable helps it heal better than keeping it still for weeks.

Myth or fact?

• Finishing your rehab exercises helps prevent your ankle from spraining again. Fact. Rehab rebuilds strength and balance. Skipping it is a big reason ankles keep getting re-sprained.