Sprained Ankle – Explained

A sprained ankle is a common injury that occurs when the ankle ligaments are torn or stretched too far, often after a fall, or if you roll or twist your ankle. The majority of sprains heal on their own but treatment to strengthen the injured muscles can prevent future sprains.

Sprains occur when there is a stretch in one of the ligaments (bandages) that connects bones at the lower end of your leg with the bones at the top of your foot. This bandage holds up your ankle and keeps it from twisting and turning under pressure. If this bandage is torn, it’s called a sprain.

There are three types of sprained ankles: spiral, lateral (outside corner), and medial (inside corner). The most common type is spiral sprains, which happen when there’s been high impact to the outside edge of your ankle joint (the tibia). Spiral injuries typically hurt more than other types because they involve more movement in different directions at once—and can cause additional damage if you don’t treat them properly.

The best way to treat a sprain is by resting it as much as possible until it heals on its own.