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Sprained ankle
Classification and external resources
Lateral view of the human ankle
ICD-10	S93.4
ICD-9	845.00
DiseasesDB	726
MedlinePlus	003167
eMedicine	topic list

A sprained ankle, also known as an ankle sprain, twisted ankle, rolled ankle, ankle injury or ankle ligament injury, is a common medical condition where one or more of the ligaments of the ankle is torn or partially torn. The anterior talofibular ligament is one of the most commonly involved ligaments. Sprains to the lateral aspect of the ankle account for 85% of ankle sprains.

Contents 1 Classification 2 Diagnosis 3 Treatment 3.1 Conservative measures 3.2 Immobilization 4 Prognosis 5 Image gallery 6 References 7 External links

[edit] Classification

Ankle sprains are classified as grade 1, 2, and 3.^[1]

[edit] Diagnosis

It is important to either rule out a fracture clinically or radiologically.

A sudden movement or twist often when the foot rolls in can overstretch the supporting ligaments, causing ligament tears and bleeding around the joint. This is known as a sprain. This type of injury occurs most frequently in activities that require running, skipping, jumping and change of direction (such as basketball, netball, football/soccer). Some people are particularly prone to recurring ankle sprains.

[edit] Treatment

[edit] Conservative measures

Acutely rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) is often recommended.

Ice can help reduce swelling in cycles of 10–15 minutes on and 10–15 minutes off. Icing an ankle too long may cause cold injuries.^{[citation needed]}

An ankle brace can be very helpful for the treatment of a sprained ankle injury. Braces and crutches can be used to help alleviate the pain.

Although found to be less effective than casts, compression bandages provide support and compression for sprained ankles. Wrapping is started at the ball of the foot and slowly continued up to the base of the calf muscle, pushing the swelling up toward the center of the body so that it does not gather in the foot. Bandages are kept tight, but not so tight as to cut off the circulation in the foot.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Immobilization

A short period of immobilization in a below-knee cast or in an Aircast leads to a faster recovery at 3 months compared to a tubular compression bandage.^[2]

[edit] Prognosis

Most people improve significantly in the first two weeks. Some however still have problems with pain and instability after one year (5–30%). Reinjury is also common.^[3]

[edit] Image gallery

Right foot, housed in an air brace, has become swollen as a result of a more severe 2nd degree sprain to the ankle.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Overview at uchc.edu
• Ankle Sprains

v • d • e Injury: Dislocations/subluxations, sprains and strains (Sx3 where x=0 to 9, 830-848) Neck (x=1) Whiplash Shoulder and upper arm (x=4) GH (Dislocated shoulder) - AC (Separated shoulder) - SLAP tear Hip and thigh (x=7) Dislocation of hip - Pulled hamstring Knee and lower leg (x=8) Tear of meniscus - Anterior cruciate ligament injury - Unhappy triad - Shin splints Ankle and foot (x=9) Sprained ankle (High ankle sprain) - Metatarsalphalangeal joint sprain