Sprained Ankle

Twisting the ankle or sprained ankle causing injury to the outer (lateral) ligaments is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries and a very common minor sports injury. Ligaments are tough fibrous bands that connect bone to bone and are extremely strong providing the joint with stability and resist excessive movement beyond the joint's normal range.

A sprained ankle is classified into three categories depending on severity.

1. First degree ankle sprain

• Some stretching or perhaps tearing of the lateral ankle ligaments.
• Little or no joint instability.
• Mild pain.
• Little or no swelling.
• Some joint stiffness or difficulty walking or running.

2. Second degree

• Some tearing of the ligament fibres.
• Moderate instability of the joint.
• Moderate to severe pain and difficulty walking.
• Swelling and stiffness in the ankle joint.

3. Third degree

• Total rupture of a ligament.
• Gross instability of the joint.
• Severe pain initially followed by no pain.
• Severe swelling.