A sprained ankle is the stretching or tearing of ankle ligaments, which support the joint by connecting bones to each other. A sprain occurs when your ankle is forced to move out of its normal position, which can cause one or more of the ankle’s ligaments to stretch, partially tear or tear completely.

One variant of the typical ankle sprain, which is more serious, is the high ankle sprain.

So this involves a sprain of different ligaments. These are the ligaments that attach these two bones together, so the tibia and the fibula, and also the ligament that wraps around the front of the ankle and holds the tendons in place.

When those ligaments are sprained, it can make the entire ankle complex unstable causing these bones to spread apart from one another. So in a third degree or complete tear of those ligaments, a screw needs to be placed across these bones in order to hold them back together.

Most high ankle sprains that are less severe will require a few weeks of not bearing weight on the foot. So typically people will have to use crutches. Once you’re allowed to bear weight, then it takes somewhere between four and six weeks to be able to go back to do most of your normal activities.

With more serious injuries that requires surgery, you may not be weight-bearing for up to six weeks and then another six to 12 weeks after that before you can resume activity. The typical treatment for lesser sprains would include ice, anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, and of course in terms of diagnosing these injuries, sometimes you will need an x-ray. Local Physiotherapists 

There are times where these kinds of injuries are hard to pick up even on an x-ray, and we may need to do an MRI, for example. The best way to prevent these kinds of injuries typically would be to make you’re doing a good ankle strengthening and balance program in advance of starting your season.

If you think you have a high ankle sprain or have more questions, you could consult a sports medicine physician or a local physiotherapist.

Presenter: Dr. Grant Lum, Sports Medicine Physician, Toronto, ON

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Sports Medicine Physician

An ankle sprain is when the ligaments, the supporting structures of the ankle joint, are stretched or torn. They can be partially torn as well as fully torn.

The most typical ankle sprain in soccer as well as for other sports is an inversion or lateral ankle sprain, so rolling out onto the ankle. When that happens the lateral ligaments, the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are stretched or torn.

It's often associated with a lot of pain on the lateral ankle as well as swelling and bruising. There can also be pain on the inside of the ankle with an inversion ankle sprain or a lateral ankle sprain because the ankle bone as well as the foot bones can be compressed during that rolling out motion.

In the first 48 to 72 hours following an ankle injury, it's important to follow the RICE protocol, so rest, ice, getting ice right on the ankle for 15 to 20 minutes multiple times throughout the day, compression, so wrapping it with a light tensor to minimize additional swelling, and elevation, so getting that ankle elevated kind of above body height.

Ankle sprains due to soccer as well as other sports do happen in children but it's less common than it is in older adolescents and adults. Depending on the severity of the ankle sprain, it may be necessary to have an X-ray done to rule out an ankle fracture. For that reason, it's important to see you physiotherapist and your doctor to be properly assessed.

Presenter: Local Physiotherapists 

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries faced by dancers, particularly a sprain to the outer or lateral stabilizing structures of the ankle. It often occurs when the foot inadvertently rolls in, maybe from landing a jump or a leap. Symptoms such as swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight, together with pain, suggests a disruption to the integrity of the stabilizing ligaments on the outside aspect of the ankle.
Ankle sprain treatment depends on the severity of the sprain. As with other injuries about a joint rest, ice, compression and elevation of the joint are the cornerstones of therapy. The severity of the sprain will dictate the amount of protection and immobilization that is required for the ligaments to heal.
After the acute phase, a program of stretching and strengthening is very important in order to restore the mobility, balance and strength of the ankle joint itself. In addition to physiotherapy, some of the solutions during treatment while one recovers from this injury as well as for prevention include taping and bracing.
If you feel you have suffered this injury or have any further other questions about lateral ankle sprains, please don't hesitate to contact your local sport medicine physician or family physician.

Presenter: Dr. Larissa Roux, Sports Medicine Physician, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Sports Medicine Physician