Diagnosis and Treatment Archive
Ankle Sprain/Sprained Ankle
 
What is a Sprained Ankle/Ankle Sprain?

A partial or complete tear of a ligament.  Degrees of severity of sprain are as follows:

1st degree sprain- a stretch or partial tear of the ligament with no instability.

2nd degree sprain- this is a more extensive tear of the ligament; however, enough tissue is intact to prevent instability.

3rd degree sprain- a severe injury resulting in complete separation of the ligament and therefore, instability of the joint.

Ankle Sprain Overview
This comprehensive overview looks at definition, causes and treatment of ankle sprains.

Ankle Sprain Images
This link shows images demonstrating the varying degrees of severity in an ankle sprain.

 

What clinical findings (signs, symptoms, and test results) indicate an ankle sprain?

Test Results

  • Normal X-ray - a normal X-ray can help confirm a sprain by ruling out other injuries.

  • Abnormal MRI

 

Treatment Options

Home Treatment Options

Professional Treatment Options

Click here for images and descriptions of ankle sprain treatments and rehabilitation excercises.

 

Science Links

A Patient’s Guide to Ankle Anatomy
Complete with excellent diagrams, this link will help you understand how the anatomy of the ankle, including various parts (bones, joints, muscles, tendons, etc) and how they work together.

Diagram: Ankle Anatomy
This link offers a diagram of Muscular and Skeletal Anatomy of Ankle and Foot (Anterior View).

Interactive Anatomy of the Ankle
This link provides an interactive look at the bones and muscles in the ankle.

How you feel pain
This link describes the types of pain, how we feel pain and how pain may manifest itself.

Why do I have pain?
Written for kids, this site gives a good, but simple overview on pain and how experiencing pain can actually help our bodies.

RICE Method
Acute sports injuries are often treated with the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Click here for an overview of this treatment plan.