Definition-  Stretching and slight or partial tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle.  A two-ligament sprain causes more disability than a single-ligament sprain.

Body Parts Involved-

• Ligaments that support the ankle joint
• Three main bones of the ankle joint- the talus (heel bone), and the tibia and the fibula (lower leg bones).
• Blood vessels, nerves, periosteum (covering of the bone), and other soft tissue close to the injury.

• Ankle pain at time of injury.
• A feeling of popping or tearing in the outer part of the ankle.
• Mild tenderness at the injury site.
• Little loss of function.  The injured person can bear weight and walk without help for 30 min or so after the injury.  Then, depending on the extent of the injury, the joint may seem to lose some of its stability.
• Swelling in the ankle.
• Little or no visible bruising for several hours after injury.  Then some bruising may appear.

Methods of Prevention-

• Build your strength with a conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice.
• Tape the ankle before competition.  If you cannot use tape, wrap the ankle with elastic bandages or an elastic brace.
• Wear proper shoes
• Provide the ankle with substantial support during sports activities for 12 months following and ankle injury.

• Prolonged healing time if activity is resumed too soon.
• Proneness to repeated injury.
• Unstable or arthritic ankle joint following repeated injury.

First Aid:  Follow instructions for R.I.C.E

Medication:  For minor discomfort, you may use: Aspirin or ibuprofen,
and topical ointments.

Rehabilitation:  Begin daily rehab exercises when supportive wrapping is no longer needed.  Resume normal activity after pain has subsided.