A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament, the fibrous band of tissue joining the end of one bone with another that stabilizes and supports the body's joints.
Because the outer ankle is more stable than the inner ankle, the foot is likely to turn inward (ankle inversion) from a fall, tackle, or jump. This stretches or tears ligaments; the result is an ankle sprain. The lateral ligament on the outer ankle is most prone to injury. As a result, virtually all ankle sprains are "inversion" sprains.
As with burns, there are three "degrees" of sprains: mild (first-degree), moderate (second degree) and severe (third-degree). While the intensity varies, pain, bruising, and swelling (inflammation) are common to all three categories.
|
ANKLE SPRAINS |
First Degree (Mild) |
Second Degree (Moderate) |
Third Degree (Severe) |
|
Description |
Minor stretching of ligaments |
Partial tear of ligaments |
Complete tear of ligaments, or ligaments separate from bone |
|
X-rays? |
Not necessary unless suspect a fracture |
Sometimes, depending on exam |
Sometimes, depending on exam |
|
Emergency room or doctor's office visit |
Call doctor but, unless instructed by doctor to go to ER, wait to see doctor on next business day |
Call doctor but, unless instructed by doctor to go to ER, wait to see doctor on next business day |
Call doctor but, unless instructed by doctor to go to ER, wait to see doctor on next business day |
|
Swelling? |
Minimal; may not be swelling for several hours |
Noticeable |
Severe |
|
Ankle Instability? |
No |
Yes (mild) |
Yes (unable to bear any weight) |
|
Painful to stand and walk? |
No |
Yes |
Yes. Excruciating pain at moment of injury |
|
Treatment |
RICE plus crutches (rent at medical supply store) until can bear weight well (recovery time varies from a few days to a week); |
RICE plus cast and crutches for two to four weeks; surgery may be necessary |
|
|
From 2 days up to a week |
Usually 2 to 3 weeks (after physical therapy), but possibly as long as 6 weeks |
Recovery after intensive physical therapy may take 6 to 8 weeks |
