What Is an Ankle Sprain?

Your lower leg and foot are joined at the ankle joint. Your ankle bones are restrained from moving out of
position by three ligaments. When one of these ligaments is overstretched or torn, the ankle gets
sprained.

• Mild (grade I) (grade I). Although strained, your ligaments are not ruptured, there might be some
stiffness and soreness. Can still be tolerable.

• Modest (grade II). A ligament or ligaments have been partly ripped, you feel mild discomfort and
soreness. You can't move it as much as normal since the joint isn't entirely stable.

• Strong (grade III). Because one or more ligaments have been completely ripped, your ankle is unstable.
You are unable to move it and are in great discomfort.

Causes of an ankle sprain

A ligament injury can result from anything that extends your ankle beyond its normal range. This often
occurs when your foot is twisted or bent inward. Like when jogging, stepping up or down, or stepping on
uneven ground, plant your foot incorrectly.

Symptoms of an ankle sprain

• Bruising and swelling. It can be so swollen that if you press with your finger, it will leave an
indentation.

• Pain. After a sprain, your nerves are more sensitive, the joint will ache and might even throb. 

• Warmth and redness. A sprain increases blood flow to the injured region.

• Difficulty walking. You may have limited ankle mobility if you have a sprain. When you press on it,
move your foot in specific ways, walk, or stand up, it frequently becomes worse.

Self-care for an ankle sprain should follow the R.I.C.E. protocol:

Rest. Avoid doing things that hurt, irritate, or make you uncomfortable.

• Ice. While you are awake, use an ice pack or take an ice bath for 15 to 20 minutes right away, then
repeat every two to three hours.

• Compression. Compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling subsides to help stop it.
Don't wrap too tightly to restrict blood flow. Wrap from the end farthest from your heart.

• Elevation. Elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, especially at night, to lessen swelling.
Gravity can help reduce swelling.

It is advisable to seek help after doing first aid. In the event of a severe sprain, clinics or hospital doctors
may recommend or require an elastic bandage or an ankle support brace to stabilize and immobilize the
ankle until it recovers.