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| WHAT IS AN ANKLE SPRAIN? |
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| An ankle sprain is an injury that causes a stretch of tear of one or more ligaments in the ankle joint. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones at the joint. Sprains may be graded I, II, or III depending on their severity. |
| Grade I: pain with minimal damage to the ligaments |
| Grade II: more ligament damage and looseness of the joint |
| Grade III: complete tearing of the ligament, and the joint is very loose or unstable |
| Sometimes sprains are just classified as mild or severe, depending on the amount of ligament damage. Most sprains occur on the outside part of the ankle, but they can occur on the inside as well. |
| HOW DOES AN ANKLE SPRAIN OCCUR? |
A sprain is caused by twisting your ankle.
Your foot usually turns in or under, but may turn to the outside. |
| - Mild aching to sudden pain |
| - Swelling |
| - Discoloration |
| - Inability to move the ankle properly |
| - Pain in the ankle, even though you are not putting weight on it |
| HOW CAN I HELP PREVENT ANKLE SPRAIN? |
| - Wear proper, well fitting shoes when you exercise |
| - Stretch gently and adequately before and after athletic or recreational activites |
| - Avoid sharp turns and quick changes in direction and movement |
| - Consider taping the ankle for strenuous sports, especially if you have had a previous injury |
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