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Ankle Sprain or Twisted Ankle: Grading, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

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Ankle sprain or twisted ankle is an injury which occurs when the ankle is rolled, twisted or turned in an awkward manner resulting in tearing or stretching of the ligaments which help in stabilizing the ankle bones together.

Grading Of Ankle Sprains Or Twisted Ankle

Grade 1 Sprain Of Ankle:

  • There is mild stretching or tearing of ligaments with some mild or zero joint instability.
  • Mild pain, swelling and stiffness may be present.
  • Patient may experience some difficulty in walking or running.

Grade 2 Sprain Of Ankle

  • There is moderate tear of the ligaments with some joint instability.
  • Patient experiences pain upon walking.
  • Swelling and stiffness is also present along with mild bruising.

Grade 3 Sprain Of Ankle:

  • There is complete rupture or tear of the ligament fibres.
  • Patient experiences acute pain and severe joint instability.
  • Extensive swelling and bruising is present.

Causes Of Ankle Sprain Or Twisted Ankle

  • Falling and landing on the ankle causing it to twist can lead to sprained ankle.
  • Jumping and landing awkwardly on the ankle can lead to spraining the ankle.
  • Walking, jogging or exercising on irregular surfaces can cause sprain to the ankle.

Symptoms Of Ankle Sprain Or Twisted Ankle

  • Pain upon weight bearing on the injured foot.
  • Pain upon movement of the injured foot.
  • Swelling.
  • Bruising.
  • Redness and Warmth.
  • There may be a “pop” audible or felt when the injury occurs.

Test To Diagnose Ankle Sprain Or Twisted Ankle

  • Bone scan helps in detecting stress fractures.
  • Computerized Tomography (Ct) scans.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Mri) Is helpful in visualizing any injuries to the soft tissue.

Treatment For Ankle Sprain Or Twisted Ankle

  • R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) therapy should be done.
  • Pain relievers such as ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen help in relieving pain, swelling and inflammation.
  • The ankle can be taped for support and to reduce swelling.
  • Crutches for partial weight bearing can be used.
  • After the swelling has subsided, gentle massage can be done to prevent the formation of adhesions.
  • Surgery may be required for severe ligament tears.
  • After the swelling has subsided, then physical therapy exercises can be started to restore the ankle’s range of motion, flexibility, strength and balance.
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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:December 2, 2019

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