Skip to main content
BBC SPORT / HEALTH & FITNESS
Graphics Version | Change to International Version | BBC News Home
Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics | Sport Relief | Other sport... | 606 | Sport Academy | Health & Fitness | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales
Wednesday, 28 September 2005, 16:40 GMT 17:40 UK

What is a sprained ankle?

Sprained ankle

Sprained ankles are one of the most common injuries in sport. They can be extremely painful and often involve ligament damage.

WHO?

Common for anyone involved in sport or outdoor activities particularly in sports where you turn quickly like basketball or tennis.

HOW?

Going over on your ankle - sometimes a "snap" or "tear" is felt or heard.

WHAT KIND OF PAIN?

  • Grade 1: Pain turning foot in or out
  • Grade 2: Swelling
  • Grade 3: Huge swelling and problems walking

    TREATMENT?

    Rest, ice, compression and elevation. Do not remove the shoe until ice has reduced the swelling.

    RETURN?

    Between one week and three months depending on grade of injury. Usually two weeks.




    E-mail this to a friend

    RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
    BBC Science and Nature - Human body
    BBC Health
    BBC Food
    BBC - Raise your Game
    More on traumatic injuries
    The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



    SEARCH BBC SPORT: 

    Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability sport | Olympics | Sport Relief | Other sport... | 606 | Sport Academy | Health & Fitness | Fun and Games | Inside Sport | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales

    ^ Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage | Feedback | Help | ©