Overview
An ankle sprain is a common condition that can occur when one rolls, twists, or turns an ankle leading to the tearing of the ligaments. The ligament is a tissue that helps keep the ankle bones joined together. Most ankle sprains can be treated without an operation and only require medication or therapy.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the intensity of the injury. Some common signs and symptoms in the affected area may include:
Pain
Swelling
Restricted Range of Motion
Tenderness
Bruising
Instability in Joints
Causes
Causes of ankle ligament injury may vary depending on the condition and complexity of the injury. The most common causes of an ankle sprain are:
- Landing inappropriately after jump
- Falling inappropriately causing ankle twist
- Walking/exercising on uneven surfaces
Diagnosis
Other than a regular physical checkup, a doctor may advise one or more than one of the following tests to determine the cause and treatment. Tests can include:
X-Ray
Ultrasound
MRI
CT Scan
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor immediately if any pain or swelling is felt on the ankle.
Treatment
Sprained ankle treatment depends on the complexity of the injury. In most cases, patients recover just by using self-care measures and over-the-counter medication but a medical evaluation is recommended to prevent any further injuries or long-term complications.
Surgical management of ligaments of the ankle is recommended if the ankle remains unstable after the injury. At our partnered facility Maroof International Hospital, we offer evaluation through the key-hole procedure before performing ligament reconstruction through advanced techniques.
Risks, Complications & Preventions
Chronic ankle instability can be managed with conservative measures. Warm yourself up before exercise or sport and avoid running on uneven surfaces.
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Dr. Faisal Murad
Chief of Surgery & Laparoscopic Surgery
M.B.B.S., MCPS, FCPS (Surgery), Fellowship Telemedicine
Dr. Mustafa Javed
Orthopedic Surgery
BSc, MBBS, MRCS (Edinburgh, UK), FRCS, Trauma & Orthopedics (Edinburgh, UK), CCT (Yorkshire, UK)