Sprains are damage and tearing of connective fibrous tissue connecting one bone to another. Examples of this tissue would be a ligament. Trauma to these tissues come from overextension of the joint’s normal range of motion. Inversion and eversion sprains are the two most common ways to sprain the ankle. Inversion sprains are most common and occur when the foot rolls inward stretching and tearing the ligaments on the outer region of the ankle. The “anterior talofibular ligament” is most commonly torn with an inversion. Eversion ankle sprains are less common and cause damage most frequently to the “deltoid ligament”.

Symptoms – Ankle sprain will present with pain, swelling, loss of range of motion and warmth to the touch immediately following the injury. Some patients note during a sprain of the ligament that they hear a “pop”.

Tips – Most of these injuries are minor. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the key component to a reducing swelling and to a speedy recovery. In severe cases of completely rupture ligaments surgery may be required. The team at Northern Edge Chiropractic in Plymouth, MN can help.