Sprained Ankle: What Is It, Causes, Symptoms & More
A sprained ankle is one of the most common injuries people deal with, whether they're athletes, weekend joggers, or simply someone who missed a step on the stairs. While it may seem minor at first, the right ankle injury treatment at the right time can mean the difference between a quick recovery and months of lingering instability. This guide breaks down what a sprained ankle really is, why it happens, and how to treat it properly. What Is a Sprained Ankle? A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are stretched beyond their normal range or torn. These ligaments act like strong elastic bands that keep the ankle bones aligned and stable during movement. There are generally three types of ankle sprains: Inversion sprain – the most common type, affecting the outer ligaments when the foot rolls inward Eversion sprain – less common, involving the inner ligaments High ankle sprain – a more serious injury affecting the ligaments connecting the two lower leg b...