Actionsets help people take an active role in managing a health condition.  Applying a compression wrap for a sprained ankle

What? - What is the medical information or key concepts related to the action? 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 injuryClick here to see an illustration.. 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 injuryClick here to see an illustration., damaging the ligaments at the inside of the ankle.

Test Your Knowledge

  1. When you sprain your ankle, you stretch and tear ligaments.

    1. True
    2. False

Continue to Why? - Why the action is important? Why is it important to use a compression wrap?
Return to Click here to view an Actionset. Applying a compression wrap for a sprained ankle



Author: Douglas Dana
Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Last Updated: March 4, 2008
Medical Review: William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine

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