Definition-  Stretching and partial tearing of one or more ligaments in the ankle, resulting in weakening and some loss of ankle function.

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.

• Severe ankle pain at time of injury.
• A feeling of popping or tearing in the outer part of the ankle.
• Extreme tenderness at the injury site.
• Loss of function.  The injured person usually falls, and requires little help with walking.  Then, depending on the extent of the injury, the joint may seem to lose some of its stability.
• Looseness in the joint if the foot is forced in the direction of pain.
• Generalized swelling immediately throughout the ankle and foot.

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.