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Ankle sprains
Ligament injuries to the ankle including soft tissue damage.
What happens when you sprain your ankle?
The ankle joint is strengthened by ligaments on the inside and outside part of the ankle, as well as an arrangement of ligaments that bond together the fibula and tibia bones. These ligaments and the soft tissues surrounding them can be stretched or even torn if you roll or severely twist the ankle, resulting in a sprain.
Need to know
The symptoms of a sprained ankle will depend on how severe the sprain is. You may experience:
- the sound of popping or tearing when the injury happens
- pain
- swelling
- bruising
- lack of normal movement
- trouble supporting your weight
- the feeling that your ankle will give way
Your GP or consultant will check how much pain, bruising and swelling you're experiencing, how much movement you have, and whether you can stand on it. They'll also ask you about when and how you injured your ankle, and if you've had similar problems before.
If it's especially painful, you may have an X-ray to check whether there is a fracture, and sometimes an MRI scan is needed in the diagnostic process.
You will be asked to rest your foot, then depending on how serious your sprain is, your doctor may recommend further rest or physiotherapy. Surgery is only likely to be performed to repair the injured ligaments in severe cases.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.