When you roll, twist or turn your ankle out of normal range of motion it is commonly referred to as a sprained ankle. Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that help hold your ankle bones together and they can become over-stretched and torn. If the stable joints that support normal activity are injured, pain occurs and you will need help caring for this injury to prevent long term damage and improper healing.

Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury, some at-home measures can help but in most cases, a medical evaluation will be beneficial to determine the severity and best treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Pain, especially when you bear weight on the affected foot
• Tenderness when you touch the ankle
• Swelling and or bruising
• Restricted range of motion
• Instability in the ankle
• Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury

If you are experiencing a combination of the above symptoms, talk to your foot and ankle specialist to discuss whether you should have your ankle evaluated.