Sprained Ankle: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment

A sprained ankle occurs when the ankle’s ligaments are overstretched or torn due to sudden twisting, rolling, or impact. It can happen during physical activities like sports, walking on uneven ground, or even in everyday situations. While often considered minor, a sprained ankle can cause substantial pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Understanding the severity, recognising symptoms early, and following proper treatment steps are key to a full recovery. This blog will guide you through the various types of sprained ankles, their symptoms, and how to treat and prevent them effectively.

What Is a Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments stabilising the joint are stretched, partially torn, or fully ruptured due to an unnatural movement. Severity ranges from mild ligament stretching to complete rupture, affecting stability and mobility. It often occurs during physical activities, such as sports or sudden movements, and can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. The severity of the sprain depends on how much the ligaments are stretched or torn.

What Are the Different Types of Ankle Sprains?

Ankle sprains are classified into three types based on their severity:

• Grade I (Mild): Ligaments are overstretched but remain intact, causing slight swelling, tenderness, and mild discomfort. Mobility is usually not affected much, and recovery is quicker.
• Grade II (Moderate): Ligaments are partially torn, leading to swelling, bruising, and moderate pain with limited ankle mobility. Walking may be painful, and the recovery period is longer.
• Grade III (Severe): A complete ligament tear, resulting in intense pain, significant swelling, and ankle instability. Surgery may sometimes be required for full recovery, and the healing process can take weeks to months.

What Causes a Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle typically occurs when the ankle is forced into an unnatural position, stretching or tearing the ligaments. Common causes include:

Sudden Twists or Turns

The primary cause is excessive force on the ankle, often due to sudden twisting, rolling, or impact during activities like sports or walking on uneven surfaces. Quick changes in direction—such as pivoting, cutting, or changing speed—put pressure on the ligaments. Sports like football, basketball, and tennis, which require sharp movements, are especially prone to ankle injuries.

Uneven Surfaces

Walking or running on uneven surfaces is a common cause of ankle sprains. When the foot rolls or turns to adjust to an uneven surface, it may overstretch or tear the ligaments in the ankle.

Improper Landing or Jumping

Jumping and landing improperly can place excessive stress on the ankle, especially if the foot lands awkwardly. A common cause is landing on the edge of the foot, which causes the ankle to roll inward or outward.

Weak or Imbalanced Muscles

Weak or poorly conditioned muscles around the ankle may struggle to support the joint, making it more vulnerable to injury. When the muscles fail to provide proper stability, the ligaments bear more load, increasing the risk of sprains.

Improper Footwear

Wearing shoes that lack proper support or do not fit well can increase the risk of ankle sprains. Footwear that does not provide adequate arch support, ankle stability, or cushioning may make it easier for the foot to twist or roll.

Previous Ankle Injuries

Having a history of sprained ankles increases the likelihood of future sprains. After an injury, the ligaments may heal but not fully return to their original strength or flexibility. This makes the ankle more prone to re-injury, especially during physical activities.

Fatigue

When a person is tired, their coordination and reaction time can slow down. Fatigue leads to weaker muscles and less control over movements, increasing the chances of an ankle sprain.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors such as weather conditions or poor visibility can also contribute to ankle sprains. Wet or icy surfaces, for instance, increase the risk of slipping or losing balance, which can result in a sprain.

Inadequate Warm-up

Failing to warm up properly before engaging in physical activity can increase the risk of spraining an ankle. Warming up helps prepare the muscles, ligaments, and tendons for more intense movements and reduces the risk of injury.

Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

The symptoms of a sprained ankle can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common signs include:

• Pain: Ranges from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain, particularly when bearing weight or moving the ankle.
• Swelling: The ankle may swell around the affected area, with the swelling typically being more noticeable in moderate to severe sprains.
• Bruising: Discolouration may appear on the skin due to blood vessels breaking, particularly in more severe sprains.
• Tenderness: The area around the sprain may feel tender to touch, especially over the ligaments.
• Restricted Motion: Reduced ankle movement due to pain, swelling, or ligament damage, especially in moderate to severe sprains.
• Instability: A feeling of weakness or instability in the ankle when standing or walking is common, especially with higher-grade sprains.

What is the Treatment for a Sprained Ankle?

The treatment for a sprained ankle varies based on the severity of the injury. The goal is to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function. Below are common treatment methods:

Rest

est is essential to allow healing and prevent further ligament damage. Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle. In some cases, crutches may be recommended to help with mobility and reduce strain on the ankle.

Ice

Ice Therapy: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours within the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and pain. Make sure to wrap the ice in a cloth or towel between to avoid frostbite.

Compression

Compression helps limit swelling and provides support to the injured area.Use an elastic bandage or compression wrap around the ankle, making sure it’s snug but not too tight. If the compression feels uncomfortable or if there is a feeling of numbness, loosen the bandage. Compression should be applied for the first 48 hours to control swelling.

Elevation

Elevating the ankle above the level of the heart encourages fluid to drain away from the injured area, reducing swelling. Try to keep the ankle elevated as much as possible during the first 48 hours. Use pillows or cushions to raise the ankle while lying down.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. For mild sprains, pain relief medications may be sufficient, but for more severe pain, stronger medication may be prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Rehabilitation

Once the initial swelling and pain start to subside, physical therapy becomes an essential part of treatment, especially for moderate to severe sprains. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening the ankle muscles, improving flexibility, and restoring balance. Exercises may include ankle rotations, stretching, and resistance training. Range-of-motion exercises can also help reduce stiffness, and balance exercises help prevent future sprains by improving coordination and stability.

Ankle Support

Braces or splints can be used to provide extra stability during the recovery phase, especially for Grade II and III sprains. These supports limit excessive movement and reduce the risk of re-injury. A taped ankle can also provide support during physical activities to ensure the ligaments are not overstressed.

Surgery

In severe cases, such as a Grade III sprain where the ligaments are completely torn, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged ligaments. Surgery involves reconstructing or stitching the torn ligaments and may require a lengthy recovery period with physical therapy afterwards. It is typically considered when conservative treatments do not lead to adequate healing or if there is a risk of long-term instability in the ankle.

Long-term Care

Once the ankle heals, continued strengthening exercises are recommended to prevent future sprains. Wearing supportive footwear and using ankle protection during physical activities can help maintain ankle health. In some cases, proprioceptive training (exercises that improve balance and body awareness) may be used to prevent re-injury.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Sprained Ankle?

It is important to seek medical attention for a sprained ankle if any of the following occur:

• Persistent severe pain despite rest and treatment may indicate a ligament rupture, tendon injury, or fracture requiring medical evaluation.
• Inability to bear weight on the ankle could be a sign of a more severe sprain and requires medical attention.
• Excessive swelling or bruising that worsens despite care may indicate internal damage, requiring diagnostic imaging.
• Deformity or abnormal movement of the ankle, such as unusual instability, may point to a fracture or ligament rupture, which needs immediate medical evaluation.
• No improvement in symptoms after a few days of home care, including rest, ice, compression, and elevation, should prompt a visit to a doctor.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the ankle or foot could indicate nerve damage, requiring medical assessment.
• Persistent instability or weakness in the ankle during movement, even after initial recovery, may require further medical evaluation to ensure proper healing.

Consult Today

If you're experiencing pain, swelling, or difficulty moving your ankle, seeking timely medical attention is essential to avoid further complications. Max Hospital offers expert orthopaedic care, providing advanced diagnostics, personalised rehabilitation, and cutting-edge treatments for ankle injuries. Contact us today to book an appointment and receive the professional care you need for proper care and recovery. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to recover from a sprained ankle?

Recovery time can vary based on the severity of the sprain. Mild sprains may take a few days to a week to heal, while moderate to severe sprains could take several weeks or even months for full recovery.

2. Can I continue exercising with a sprained ankle?

It’s important to rest and avoid putting weight on the injured ankle in the initial stages. Once the swelling and pain reduce, low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling may be helpful, but it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider before resuming any activity.

3. Can an ankle sprain cause long-term problems?

If not properly treated, a sprained ankle can lead to chronic instability, weakness, or an increased risk of future sprains. Proper rehabilitation and strengthening exercises can help reduce long-term complications.

4. Should I massage a sprained ankle?

It’s best to avoid massaging the injured area in the initial stages to prevent further irritation or swelling. Once the ankle has started healing, gentle massage may help with circulation and flexibility.

5. What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?

A sprain involves damage to the ligaments, the tissues that connect bones, while a strain affects muscles or tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Both are types of soft tissue injuries but are treated differently.

6. Are there any home remedies to speed up recovery?

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E) are the most effective home treatments. Apart from that, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help with recovery once the swelling has reduced. Always follow your doctor’s advice to ensure proper healing.

7. How can I prevent future ankle sprains?

Strengthening the muscles around the ankle, improving balance, wearing supportive footwear, and being cautious on uneven surfaces can help prevent future sprains.

8. Should I wear an ankle brace after recovering from a sprained ankle?

Wearing an ankle brace during physical activities, especially if you've had previous sprains, can provide additional support and reduce the risk of re-injury.