What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when
ligaments that connect the bones in the foot, ankle,
and lower leg are stretched or torn.
An ankle sprain often
happens when you make a rapid shifting movement with your foot planted, for
example, when playing soccer or getting tackled in football. Most commonly, the
ankle rolls outward and the foot turns inward in what is called an
inversion
injury
. It results in stretching and tearing of the ligaments that
connect the bones in the foot, ankle, and lower leg on the outside of the
ankle.
Less commonly, the ankle rolls inward and the foot turns
outward in an
eversion
injury
, damaging the ligaments at the inside of the ankle.
Test Your Knowledge
When you sprain your ankle, you stretch and tear
ligaments.
- True
- False
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Why is it important to use a compression wrap?
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Applying a compression wrap for a sprained ankle