​Common Unintentional Injuries

​The most frequent types of injuries are:

• ​sprains (injuries to ligaments)

• strains (injuries to muscles)

• stress fractures (injuries to bones).

​Sprains

​An ankle sprain is when the ligaments that support the ankle get overly stretched or torn.

It can happen when you step in a hole, twist your ankle while walking or running, or put your weight down on your foot awkwardly.

​What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Ankle Sprain?

• ​pain

• soreness

• swelling

• trouble bearing weight or walking on the ankle

• bruising

​

​To diagnose ankle sprains, doctors ask about the injury and do an exam. They'll check the bones and soft tissue of the ankle, watch the person's range of motion, and do strength tests.

Sometimes, the doctor may order an X-ray or other imaging study to see if there are other injuries, such as a broken bone.

​How Are Ankle Sprains Treated?

• ​protecting the ankle by taping, wearing a lace-up ankle brace, or ankle splint

• rest 10–14 days to prevent reinjury and limit swelling.

• ice wrapped in a towel placed on the area for about 20 minutes every 1–2 hours

• raising the injured area

• before returning to activity, strengthening exercises

​Cheat Sheet

• ​Stretch regularly to keep your ankles flexible.

• Always warm up before playing sports, exercising, or doing any other kind of physical activity.

• Use tape, lace-up ankle braces, or high-top shoes to support the ankle.