Achilles Tendonitis
What exactly is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in your ankle are stretched or torn.
Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones to other bones, providing stability to your ankle joint.
When your ankle twists, rolls, or turns in an awkward manner, the ligaments can be overstretched or even tear. This is what causes an ankle sprain. Common causes include landing awkwardly, stepping in a hole, tripping, or rolling your ankle while playing sports.
The severity of an ankle sprain can vary from mild to severe. A mild sprain involves overstretched ligaments with minimal tearing, while a severe sprain results in complete or partial ligament tears. Symptoms of an ankle sprain typically include pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, and instability.
Proper care is essential for healing an ankle sprain. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are often recommended to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort. In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary to restore strength, flexibility, and balance. Severe sprains might require medical intervention, including immobilization or surgery.
