injuries and poisoning
Ankle Sprains
Symptoms of Ankle Sprains
In general, the area over the injured ligament is painful and swollen. Sometimes people with a sprained ankle have muscle spasms—unintended contraction of muscles around the ankle. How severe symptoms are depend on the severity of the tear. If nerves are damaged, people may have problems sensing where their foot and ankle are without looking at them (a sense called proprioception). Ligaments stretch and tear, but the tears are so small that they can be seen only with a microscope. The ankle usually does not hurt or swell very much, but it is weakened and more likely to be injured again. Recovery can take hours to days. Ligaments tear partially. The ankle is often swollen and bruised, and walking is usually painful and difficult. Healing takes days to weeks. If the ankle is sprained again, nerves may be damaged. Ligaments tear completely. The whole ankle may be swollen and bruised. The ankle is unstable, and people cannot put any weight on it. Healing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. If people do not wait until their ankle is healed completely before they resume their usual activities, they increase their risk of future injuries, and the ankle may not heal well. Nerves may also be damaged. Very severe ankle sprains may fracture the cartilage at the ends of the bones in the ankle joint. This injury can result in long-term pain, swelling, and occasionally problems walking. The joint may catch (stick) or give way (involuntarily buckle). Sometimes arthritis develops in the ankle at a young age. 