Ankle Pain

Ankle Sprain is the most common foot and ankle injury. It is mainly caused by a sudden sideways or twisting movement of the foot. It usually occurs when one takes an awkward step, lands from jumping or running on to an uneven surface.

An ankle sprain is an injury to the ligament in the ankle. There are two broad categories of ankle sprain:

  1. Inversion Ankle Sprains

    The most common type of ankle sprain occurs when the foot is inverted, falling inward. When this type of ankle sprain happens, the 3 outer ligaments, or Lateral Ligaments, are stretched too far. About 90% of ankle sprains are inversion injuries. Pain is always felt on the outside of the ankle, and there is usually no pain on the inside of the ankle joint.

  2. Eversion Ankle Sprains

    The other type of sprained ankle is called an eversion injury, where the foot is twisted outwards. When this occurs, the inner ligament, or the Deltoid Ligament, is stretched too far. Pain is always felt on the inner side of the ankle.

When an ankle sprain happens, the ligament is stretched too far, and is either partially or completely torn:

  1. Grade I Ankle Sprain:

    A Grade I ankle sprain cause stretching of the ligament. The symptoms are limited to moderate pain and swelling. One may not be able to jog or jump.

  2. Grade II Ankle Sprain:

    A Grade II ankle sprain is a partial tearing of the ligament. The symptoms are pain, swelling and bruising. One may have some difficulty in walking.

  3. Grade III Ankle Sprain:

    A Grade III ankle sprain is complete tear of the ligaments. The symptoms are severe pain, swelling, bruising. One usually feel instability or a giving-way sensation in the ankle joint and walking can be difficult.

For persisting symptoms following a sprained ankle which go beyond a few days, medical attention is recommended as a sprained ankle can be difficult to differentiate from an ankle fracture, and sometimes an x-ray is needed. One can usually rehabilitate from a sprained ankle injury through an appropriate Physiotherapy programme, including Electrophysical Therapy for symptom relief and Exercise Therapy for better joint mobility and propriception, muscle flexibility and strength.