Patient education: Ankle sprain (The Basics)

What happens when a person sprains their ankle? — When a person sprains their ankle, the ankle joint turns too far in 1 direction.

Inside the ankle are tough bands of tissue called "ligaments." These hold the different bones together. During a sprain, 1 or more of those ligaments stretch too far or even tear (figure 1). This can cause pain and swelling, make the ankle unsteady, and make it hard to put weight on the leg with the injured ankle.

What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain? — The symptoms can include pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising at the ankle. Some people with an ankle sprain also find it hard to move the foot in certain directions. Plus, some people cannot put weight on the leg with the injured ankle.

Is there a test for an ankle sprain? — A doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have a sprain by doing an exam and learning about what happened to your ankle. They might move your foot in different directions to see what hurts and to check how loose your ankle feels.

In some cases, a doctor might order an X-ray to check for broken bones, but that is not always needed. Some doctors might use an ultrasound to look at the ligaments. Ultrasound is an imaging test that creates pictures of the inside of the body.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — See your doctor or nurse if:

●You cannot put weight on the leg with the injured ankle.

●Your ankle looks deformed or crooked.

●Your ankle is unstable (for example, it gives out while you are climbing stairs).

It's also best to see a doctor or nurse if you are not sure how serious an injury is.

How is an ankle sprain treated? — Treatment for a sprained ankle is easy to remember if you think of the word "PRICE":

●Protect – To avoid making your injury worse, you can wrap it with an elastic bandage (figure 2). Depending on how bad your sprain is, you might also get a brace or splint.

●Rest – To rest the ankle, you can use crutches and stay off of your feet. Avoid activities that cause pain.

●Ice – Apply a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your ankle every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin. Use the ice (or other cold object) for at least 6 hours after your injury. Some people find it helpful to ice longer, even up to 2 days after their injury.

●Compression – "Compression" basically means pressure. You want to have your ankle under slight pressure by having it wrapped in an elastic bandage. This helps reduce swelling and supports the ankle. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to wrap your ankle. Be careful not to wrap it too tight, as this could cut off the blood flow to your foot.

●Elevation – "Elevation" means keeping your foot raised up above the level of your heart. To do this, you can put your foot on some pillows or blankets while you are lying down, or on a table or chair while you are sitting.

You can also take medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

People who have a mild sprain do not usually need to use a splint to keep their foot and ankle still. But people who have a more severe sprain sometimes do.

In rare cases, doctors suggest surgery to repair a torn ligament caused by an ankle sprain.

Can I do anything else to help my recovery? — Most people heal more quickly if they do certain exercises. Usually, gentle exercises can be started after a few days, once swelling and pain have improved. The right exercises for you depend on what kind of sprain you have and how serious it is. Ask your doctor which exercises you should do. In some cases, they might recommend working with a physical therapist (exercise expert).

Over time, slowly build up the activities you do with your foot and ankle. It might be easier to do some activities if you wear a brace or splint on your ankle as it heals.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for advice if:

●Your pain or swelling is getting worse.

●Your toes are blue or gray, and numb.

●Your ankle feels more unstable or wobbly.

●You have new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: How to use crutches (The Basics)
Patient education: How to care for a splint (The Basics)
Patient education: Foot sprain (The Basics)