| Ankle sprain What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain (also known as a lateral ankle ligament sprain) is the most commonly occurring injury to the ankle. During weight bearing activity (walking, running or jumping) the ankle and foot move inwards, towards the mid-line of the body, more than the stabilising structures allow, thus resulting in injuries to these structures. Most commonly it is the lateral ankle ligaments and the lateral ankle joint capsule which are torn. The normal ankle joint is not simply a hinge joint, there is also rotation which occurs during up and down movement of the ankle. The same type of forces which “lever the ankle inwards” during an ankle sprain can also lead to fractures of the lower fibula (the outer bone of the ankle), most commonly when rotational force is also involved. Because of this any inability to bear weight comfortably after an ankle sprain or any tenderness of the bones around the ankle after a supposed ankle sprain requires a plain x-ray to exclude the presence of an ankle fracture. | |
