Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

What are the symptoms of an ankle sprain?

Symptoms of ankle sprain include pain and swelling. The pain is often felt when moving. The swelling can last hours to days, depending on how bad the sprain is. There can also be bruising around the heel.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains are a common sports injury. An ankle sprain occurs when there is an overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that support the joint, resulting in pain and swelling. Ligaments are a strong connective tissue that hold bones together. Most commonly, …

What is the ankle?

The ankle joint connects the foot and the leg. The ankle joint has three interlocking bones - the shin bone (tibia), a thinner bone running alongside the shin bone (fibula), and the heel bone (talus). The bones are stabilized by muscles, tendons and ligaments. There are …

What are the types of ankle sprains?

Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe depending on the degree of damage to the ankle ligaments: • Mild (grade I) - only minimal stretching or tearing of ligament(s); • Moderate (grade II) - ligament(s) are partially torn, or; • Severe (grade III) …

How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?

Ankle sprain is often diagnosed by physical examination. An X-ray can be taken to check for a fracture. An MRI scan is only performed in cases where a severe ankle injury is suspected.

What is the treatment for a sprained ankle?

If you have sprained your ankle, it is important to: • Stop the activity you are doing; • Rest your injured ankle; • Apply icepacks regularly to the ankle to reduce pain and swelling; • Apply compression using firm bandage to stabilize the joint …

What are the complications of an ankle sprain?

The main complication associated with ankle sprain is the increased risk of repeat sprains due to the stretching and loosening of ligaments caused by previous sprains. There is also the possibility of an underlying fracture.

What is the long-term outlook for a sprained ankle?

Once you've sprained your ankle, you are at increased risk of spraining it again. This is because ankle sprains result in stretched and loosened ligaments. If you've sprained your ankle, it is important to take steps to prevent spraining …

How do you prevent ankle sprains?

You can reduce your risk of ankle sprain by: • Warming up before sport or exercise; • Wearing supportive shoes; • Avoiding risks such as wet or uneven ground that might result in an accident causing injury, and; • Wearing ankle braces or tape as directed …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Gout

Gout is an acutely painful condition that usually affects the big toe. It occurs when uric acid crystals form in certain joints, leading to inflammation, pain and swelling. Medications and changes in behaviour can reduce the likelihood of future gout episodes.…
Diseases & conditions

Heel pain

Heel pain is a very common complaint that can develop suddenly or gradually. Although many people will only experience mild and short-lived pain, for some this pain can become debilitating. Heel pain can affect anyone, but is more common in people who are aged over 40, obese, who stand up for work a lot, or who often do strenuous activity.…
Diseases & conditions

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It can cause swelling and pain at the back of the heel and make walking difficult.…
Diseases & conditions

Shingles

Shingles is a skin rash caused by the re-activation of an otherwise dormant virus responsible for causing chicken pox. It can be highly uncomfortable, but early treatment can reduce its severity.…
Diseases & conditions

Heart failure

Heart failure, also known as congestive heart failure, is when the heart fails to effectively pump blood around the body. It may lead to tiredness, shortness of breath and leg swelling. It can be caused by many conditions. However, medications, surgery and lifestyle changes can help manage this condition.…
Diseases & conditions

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition which causes pain in the underside of the heel. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the connective tissue running between the heel and the ball of the foot, becomes irritated, particularly at the point where it attaches to the heel.…

About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 24 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 17 Oct 2018
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Votes: 662 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Gout

×

Content goes in here.