In plain language
An ankle sprain stretches or tears stabilizing ligaments, commonly on the outer ankle.
Clinical Significance & Management
Assessment distinguishes ligament injury from fracture and identifies persistent instability.
Symptoms & Clinical Presentation
Pain, swelling, bruising or giving way.
Etiology & Injury Mechanisms
- Awkward landing, sudden turning or uneven ground.
Diagnostics & Imaging Guide
History, tenderness and weight-bearing assessment; X-rays if fracture is suspected.
Treatment Options
Protection, progressive weight-bearing and rehabilitation usually suffice; persistent instability needs reassessment.
Rehabilitation Milestones & Timeline
Rehabilitation depends on the diagnosis, procedure and associated injuries. Progression requires assessment of healing, symptoms and function; elapsed time or a single test cannot determine readiness for sport.
Rehabilitation progression
Restore gait and motion, then calf strength and balance before progressing to running and directional changes.
Evidence-Based Clarifications
Walking does not exclude ligament damage. MRI is usually unnecessary initially.
Sources & References
Educational clinical definitions synthesized from AAOS, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and HSS. Individual diagnosis and surgery require professional medical evaluation.
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