05/06/2021
Strained or sprained ankles are very common injuries. They can happen when you take part in sports and other physical activities, but it can also happen when simply stepping on uneven surfaces or stepping down at an angle. Most people have experienced a twisted ankle at some point in their life. Pain and swelling are the most common signs that you have injured ankle ligaments in the case of a sprain and torn muscles/tendons in the case of a strain.
The ligaments, muscles, and tendons of the ankle hold the bones and joints in position. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements, especially twisting, turning, and rolling of the foot. When one of these parts of the ankle is forced to stretch beyond its normal range, a sprain or strain occurs. Sprains can occur on different parts of the ankle, and the most common ankle sprain occurs on the lateral, or outside, part of the ankle resulting in a lateral ankle sprain.
