Pain and tenderness: There is pain and tenderness in the ankle area, particularly around the affected ligaments.
Swelling: Swelling is a common symptom of an ankle sprain. The affected area may be swollen and may feel warm to the touch.
Bruising: Bruising can occur around the ankle area as a result of a sprain
Ankle sprains occur when the ankle joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, causing the ligaments that hold the bones together to stretch or tear. The biomechanics of an ankle sprain involve a combination of factors, including the position of the foot, the direction and magnitude of the external force, and the strength and flexibility of the ankle joint and its supporting structures.
When the foot is planted on an uneven surface or during activities that involve sudden changes in direction, the ankle joint may twist or roll inward or outward, depending on the direction of the external force. This motion can cause the ligaments on the inside or outside of the ankle to stretch or tear.
The ligaments that are commonly injured in an ankle sprain include the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). The ATFL is the most commonly injured ligament in ankle sprains, as it is the weakest and most vulnerable to injury.
Factors that can increase the risk of ankle sprains include previous ankle injuries, poor ankle joint stability, decreased range of motion, weak ankle muscles, and wearing inappropriate footwear.
