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Condition Library

Ankle

Ankle Sprain

A stretch or tear of the ligaments around the ankle, most often on the outer side.

Symptoms

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Pain on the outside of the ankle

Risk factors

  • Prior sprain
  • Court and field sports
  • Poor balance

What usually helps

  • Functional support
  • Early mobilization
  • Balance and strength rehab

When to see a podiatrist

If you cannot walk on it or pain is not improving after a few days.

Warning signs

  • • Cannot bear weight for four steps
  • • Bone tenderness at the malleoli or fifth metatarsal base
Systematic review and meta-analysisModerate EvidenceSports medicine

The Incidence and Prevalence of Ankle Sprain Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sports Medicine · 2014

Population
Prospective epidemiological studies
Key result
Ankle sprains are common across sports, with higher rates in indoor and court sports.
Clinical relevance
Supports prevention programs and proper rehabilitation.
Limitations
Heterogeneous definitions across studies.

Podiatrify provides educational information and risk guidance and does not provide a medical diagnosis. Symptoms involving severe pain, rapidly spreading infection, black or blue tissue, major trauma, loss of circulation, or systemic illness may require urgent medical evaluation.