An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle rolls over to the outside of the body causing stretching and tearing of the ligaments.  Anything that makes the ankle “tip over” increases the chance of an ankle sprain.  This type of injury most often occurs in sports while jumping and landing on someone’s foot, walking on uneven surfaces, etc.

The physicians at Hosey Foot and Ankle Centers classify ankle sprains by their level of severity.

• First degree ankle sprains often involve some stretching or a mild tear of the ligament.  Little or no loss of function, mild pain, some swelling and some joint stiffness often accompany this condition.

• Second degree injuries include severe tearing of the ligaments, moderate instability of the joint, moderate to severe pain, swelling and stiffness.

• Third degree ankle sprains are indicated by a total rupture of a ligament with a loss of motion, gross instability of the joint, severe pain and severe swelling.

The sooner professional treatment begins for a second and third degree ankle sprain, the greater the chance to prevent chronic pain and long term instability.