Of the many injuries we see, ankle sprains are perhaps the most common — especially in athletes, energetic children, and adults navigating stairs, sidewalks, or uneven surfaces. However, not all ankle sprains are the same. The degree of severity and specific ligaments injured may make a difference in how your ankle will feel, heal, and function afterwards.
At Vale Foot and Ankle, we treat all ankle sprains, from simple to complex, to restore comfort, prevent repeat injuries, and keep you moving.
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
With a sprain, one or more of the ligaments that support your ankle stretch or tear. These ligaments connect bones in your ankle and stabilize the joint. A sudden twist, roll, or awkward landing-most often during sports or daily activities, stretches the ligaments beyond their normal length. This causes pain, swelling, or instability.
3 Common Types of Ankle Sprains
1. Lateral Ankle Sprain (Outside of the Ankle)
This is by far the most common type. It happens when your foot rolls inward-it’s called inversion-overstretching the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Most often, this involves the anterior talofibular ligament, or ATFL.
Typical causes:
- Stepping off a curb wrong
- Twisting during a run
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
What it feels like:
- Sharp pain on the outside of the ankle
- Swelling, bruising, and inability to bear weight
2. Medial Ankle Sprain (Inside of the Ankle)
This is less common and happens when the foot rolls outward, stretching the deltoid ligament on the inner side of the ankle. Because this ligament is stronger, medial sprains often happen with more force and may involve other injuries.
What to expect:
- Pain and swelling along the inner ankle
- Tenderness and difficulty walking
- May be associated with a fracture or additional soft tissue damage
3. High Ankle Sprain (Above the Ankle Joint)
High ankle sprains involve the ligaments that connect the tibia and fibula (your two lower leg bones). These are called syndesmotic sprains and usually result from a twisting injury with the foot planted.
Who gets them:
- Football players, skiers, and athletes participating in cutting sports
- Anyone who experiences a forceful twist above the ankle
Symptoms include:
- Pain above the ankle
- Increased pain with twisting or weight bearing
- Longer healing time than a typical sprain
Grading the Severity of a Sprain
Sprains are also classified by the amount of damage that has been done to the ligament:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Ligament fibers are overstretched but not torn. Mild swelling and tenderness.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial ligament tear. Noticeable swelling, bruising, and joint looseness.
- Grade 3 (Severe): Full tear or rupture of the ligament. Instability, significant pain, and difficulty bearing weight.
Ankle Sprain Diagnosis at Vale Foot and Ankle
Diagnosis is paramount in realizing a full recovery from any form of injury. A visit at Vale Foot and Ankle begins with a conversation: how the injury occurred, how it feels, and how it’s affecting your life.
We may perform:
- A physical examination by manipulative testing of swelling, tenderness, and stability
- Digital X-rays to check for fractures
- Ultrasound to visualize soft tissue injury
- Additional tests if we suspect a high ankle sprain or related injury
We take our time with ankle sprains because rushed or incomplete treatment often leads to instability, weakness, or chronic pain down the road.
Treatment Options for Ankle Sprains
The treatment that we recommend is specific to your injury, lifestyle, and goals. We always begin with the most conservative options possible.
Non-Surgical Treatment
- RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
- Ankle bracing or supportive footwear
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physical therapy for strength, mobility, and balance
- Activity modification to allow healing
Most mild to moderate sprains will heal well with consistent care and without surgery.
When Surgery Is Needed
Surgery may rarely be recommended, particularly if:
- The ligament is completely torn.
- Your ankle remains unstable despite conservative care
- You’ve had repeated sprains or chronic ankle instability
As a surgical podiatry clinic, we handle your care from beginning to end. If you do need surgery, you will remain with the same trusted team through diagnosis and into recovery.
Why Prompt Care Matters
Even if the pain appears tolerable, ankle sprains should not be taken lightly. If not treated, you run the risk of weakened ligaments, future joint instability, and a higher risk of re-injury. Early evaluation allows for quicker healing and an improved long-term outcome.
Start Healing with Confidence
If you’re dealing with ankle pain, swelling, or an injury that hasn’t healed properly, we’re here to help. At Vale Foot and Ankle, we take your injury seriously-and we make sure your recovery is guided, supported, and centered on your goals. Schedule an Appointment Today. Contact us at Vale Foot and Ankle to book an examination for your ankle sprain today. Whether recent or nagging, we’ll help you take the right next steps toward lasting relief.
