Definition- A severe injury to the ankle in which one or more ligaments are stretched and totally torn. A severe sprain may include a temporary or lasting dislocation.

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 has great difficulty walking. The joint looses its stability.
• Looseness in the joint if the foot is forced in the direction of pain.
• Immediate generalized swelling throughout the ankle and foot.
• Bruising appears immediately or soon after injury.

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.