Ankle sprains are the most common injury in sports with 23,000 athletes people spraining their ankles each year in the United States. Because most injuries occur with the foot and ankle in a plantarflexed position (foot and toes pointing downward), the lateral (outside) ligaments are generally injured.

There are three classifications of ankle sprains:

Grade I- mild stretching of the ligament fibers, little swelling or tenderness over the outside of the ankle

Grade II- Partial tear of the ligament fibers with mild to moderate instability, moderate swelling, pain, tenderness and some loss of motion

Grade III- Complete tear of the ligament fibers with resulting unstable joint, severe swelling, loss of function, and motion.

Treatment of Grade I and mild Grade II injuries:

Ankle injuries with mild to moderate swelling and minimal or no loss of motion can be treated with the RICE method.

Rest- use crutches if you cannot walk without a limp
Ice- for 20 minutes at least 3-4 times during the first 24 hours
Compress- use an Ace wrap to help control swelling
Elevation- keep the foot and ankle elevated above the heart

Within two to four days range of motion should gradually increase and can be facilitated by moving the foot/ankle up and down and side to side several times per day to promote normal range of motion. Continue these guidelines until pain and swelling have been reduced or eliminated.

If you have increased edema, significant bruising, severe loss of function and motion an injury screen should be performed or contact your physician for a consultation.

Severe Grade II and III- injuries should be evaluated by a physician.