What Is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that support the ankle get overly stretched or torn. It can happen when you step in a hole, twist your ankle while walking or running, or put your weight down on your foot awkwardly.
When most ankle sprains happen, the ankle is flexed and inverted (the foot turned inward toward the opposite foot). Ankle sprains are common, making up 25% of all sports-related injuries.
With rest and proper treatment, most ankle sprains heal within 4–6 weeks. But some can take longer.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?
The signs of an ankle sprain depend on how serious it is. Common symptoms include:
pain
soreness
swelling
trouble bearing weight or walking on the ankle
bruising
What Causes Ankle Sprains?
Most ankle sprains happen when the ankle twists, or when the foot rolls onto its side. Most happen during athletic activities. But you don't have to be playing sports to injure an ankle — sprains can happen from taking an awkward step or tripping on the stairs.
at Is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that support the ankle get overly stretched or torn. It can happen when you step in a hole, twist your ankle while walking or running, or put your weight down on your foot awkwardly.
When most ankle sprains happen, the ankle is flexed and inverted (the foot turned inward toward the opposite foot). Ankle sprains are common, making up 25% of all sports-related injuries.
With rest and proper treatment, most ankle sprains heal within 4–6 weeks. But some can take longer.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?
The signs of an ankle sprain depend on how serious it is. Common symptoms include:
pain
soreness
swelling
trouble bearing weight or walking on the ankle
bruising
What Causes Ankle Sprains?
Most ankle sprains happen when the ankle twists, or when the foot rolls onto its side. Most happen during athletic activities. But you don't have to be playing sports to injure an ankle — sprains can happen from taking an awkward step or tripping on the stairs.
