The most common type is a lateral ankle sprain affecting the (outer) ankle ligaments, mainly:

• ATFL (anterior talofibular ligament) – most commonly injured

• CFL (calcaneofibular ligament)

• PTFL (posterior talofibular ligament) – less often

Less commonly a medial ankle sprain can occur from a strong force or trauma resulting in forced “eversion” of the ankle. Which may cause stretching or tearing of the deltoid ligament complex.

Symptoms of an ankle sprain may present as symptoms

• Pain on the outside of the ankle

• Swelling and bruising

• Tenderness to touch

• Difficulty walking or bearing weight

• Feeling of instability or “giving way”

Most acute ankle sprains, including grade I and II and most grade III sprains, are managed non-operatively. The goal of treatment is to allow ligament healing while maintaining the ankle's range of motion, strength, and stability

• Immobilization/Protection and rest 

• Ice and compression

• Early controlled motion

• Ankle Bracing and Support with shoe gear

• Physical therapy

  • Proprioceptive training

  • Strengthening/Stretching exercises

  • Restore range of motion

• Pain laser, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)

• Injection Therapy steroid/ biologic/amniotic, PRP,

Surgical therapy is considered for chronic instability (repeat sprains) and Grade III injuries with instability or failure of conservative treatment.

• Anatomic ligament repair / Open Repair of affected ligaments

• Reconstruction of ligament with augmentation

• Operative Ankle arthroscopy