Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries, particularly among individuals with active lifestyles or those participating in sports. However, not all ankle sprains are the same. There are three main types of ankle sprains: inversion, eversion, and high ankle sprains. Understanding the differences between these injuries is essential for effective treatment and prevention.
Let’s Get Straight To The Point
Ankle sprains are common injuries, with three main types: inversion, eversion, and high ankle sprains. Inversion sprains, the most common, occur when the ankle rolls outward, affecting ligaments on the outer side.
Eversion sprains happen when the ankle rolls inward, stressing the ligaments on the inner side. High ankle sprains involve injuries to ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula above the ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and bruising, with recovery times varying based on severity. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.), and physical therapy. Prevention includes wearing proper footwear and strengthening ankle muscles.
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn due to excessive force. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and provide stability to the joint, allowing it to move in specific directions. A sprain typically happens when these ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion, often during sudden movements or awkward foot placements.
Key Facts About Ankle Sprains:
- Mechanism of Injury: Ankle sprains usually happen when the foot is twisted, rolled, or turned unexpectedly. This can occur during physical activity, such as running, jumping, or playing sports, or from everyday activities like tripping or misstepping.
- Symptoms: Common symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the ankle. More severe sprains can result in instability and difficulty walking.
- Diagnosis: A healthcare professional typically diagnoses an ankle sprain through a physical examination and the patient’s description of the injury. In some cases, diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs, may be required to rule out fractures or assess ligament damage.
- Recovery: The recovery time for an ankle sprain depends on the severity. Mild sprains may heal within 1-2 weeks, while more severe sprains can take several weeks to months. Rehabilitation through physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility.
- Prevention: Wearing proper footwear, performing ankle-strengthening exercises, and practising balance training can significantly reduce the risk of spraining an ankle.
Types of Ankle Sprains
There are three primary types of ankle sprains, each affecting different ligaments and requiring different treatment approaches.
1. Inversion Ankle Sprain (Lateral Ankle Sprain)
The inversion ankle sprain, also known as a lateral ankle sprain, is the most common type of ankle injury. It occurs when the ankle rolls outward, causing the foot to turn inward. This movement places stress on the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, particularly the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).
Key Points:
- Prevalence: Inversion sprains account for approximately 85% of all ankle sprains. They are particularly common in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and trail running, where jumping and quick changes of direction are frequent.
- Causes: Aside from sports, inversion sprains can occur from everyday activities such as stepping on an uneven surface, tripping, or wearing unstable footwear like high heels.
- Symptoms: The symptoms typically include immediate swelling, bruising, and pain on the outer side of the ankle. A popping or snapping sound may occur in more severe cases.
- Severity Levels:
- Grade 1: Mild injury with slight stretching or microscopic tears in the ligament fibres. Recovery generally takes 1-2 weeks.
- Grade 2: Moderate injury with partial ligament tearing, causing some instability in the joint. Recovery can take 3-6 weeks.
- Grade 3: Severe injury with a complete ligament tear, which may require surgery. Recovery can extend to several months.
- Treatment: Initial treatment involves the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method. Severe sprains may require physical therapy, bracing, or surgery in extreme cases.
- Prevention: Strengthening exercises, balance training, and wearing appropriate footwear with ankle support can significantly reduce the risk of inversion sprains.
2. Eversion Ankle Sprain (Medial Ankle Sprain)
An eversion ankle sprain, or medial ankle sprain, is less common than inversion sprains but can still cause significant injury. This sprain occurs when the ankle rolls inward, causing the foot to turn outward. This places stress on the deltoid ligament, which is located on the inside of the ankle.
Key Points:
- Prevalence: Eversion sprains account for about 10-15% of all ankle sprains. They are less common because the deltoid ligament is stronger and more resilient than the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
- Causes: Eversion sprains typically result from activities such as stepping into a hole, misstepping on a curb, or getting the foot caught during sports. They may also occur in contact sports when an external force pushes the foot inward.
- Symptoms: Pain is generally felt on the inside of the ankle, accompanied by swelling and bruising. The area may be tender to the touch, and weight-bearing may be painful.
- Severity Levels:
- Grade 1: Mild injury with slight stretching or microscopic tears of the ligament. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks.
- Grade 2: Moderate injury with partial tearing of the ligament. Recovery generally takes 3-6 weeks.
- Grade 3: Severe injury with complete ligament tear. This may require surgery and recovery could take several months.
- Treatment: The R.I.C.E. method is effective for initial care. Severe cases may require immobilisation, physical therapy, or surgery for optimal healing.
- Prevention: Proper footwear, strengthening the ankle muscles, and being cautious when walking on uneven ground can help prevent eversion sprains.
3. High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmotic Injury)
A high ankle sprain, also known as a syndesmotic injury, involves damage to the ligaments connecting the two bones of the lower leg, the tibia and fibula. Unlike inversion and eversion sprains, which affect the ligaments around the ankle joint, high ankle sprains occur above the ankle.
Key Points:
- Prevalence: High ankle sprains make up about 15% of all ankle sprains. They are more common in contact sports, such as football, rugby, and ice hockey, and can be more disabling than other types of sprains.
- Causes: High ankle sprains usually occur when the foot is planted on the ground and a rotational force is applied, often during a tackle or sudden movement.
- Symptoms: The main symptom is pain above the ankle, particularly when rotating the foot or bearing weight. Swelling and bruising may extend along the front of the lower leg. Walking may be difficult or impossible in severe cases.
- Severity Levels:
- Grade 1: Mild injury with slight stretching of the ligaments. Recovery typically takes 2-4 weeks.
- Grade 2: Moderate injury with partial ligament tears and possible separation of the tibia and fibula. Recovery may take 6-8 weeks.
- Grade 3: Severe injury with complete ligament tears and separation of the tibia and fibula. Surgery may be required, with recovery taking several months.
- Treatment: Initial treatment includes the R.I.C.E. method, followed by immobilisation and non-weight bearing. Surgery may be necessary in severe cases, and physical therapy is typically required for full recovery. Not sure if your ankle sprain requires professional care? Read our guide on when to see a podiatrist for an ankle sprain.
- Prevention: Strengthening the muscles of the lower leg, wearing appropriate footwear, and using protective gear during contact sports can reduce the risk of high ankle sprains.
Conclusion
Ankle sprains are common injuries that can vary in type and severity. Whether it’s an inversion, eversion, or high ankle sprain, understanding the injury and its symptoms is essential for effective treatment. Proper diagnosis and timely intervention can help reduce recovery time and prevent further complications.
If you experience an ankle sprain, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice to ensure proper treatment. With appropriate care and rehabilitation, you can minimise the risk of re-injury and return to full activity. By staying informed about the different types of ankle sprains and taking preventive measures, you can protect your ankle health and continue enjoying an active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Common Type Of Ankle Sprain?
The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion sprain, which occurs when the ankle rolls outward and the foot turns inward. This typically affects ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, such as the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL).
How Can I Tell If I Have An Inversion Or Eversion Sprain?
An inversion sprain usually causes pain, swelling, and bruising on the outer side of the ankle, while an eversion sprain leads to pain, swelling, and bruising on the inner side of the ankle. Eversion sprains are less common and often occur when the ankle rolls inward.
What Is A High Ankle Sprain, And How Is It Different From Other Sprains?
A high ankle sprain, or syndesmotic injury, occurs when the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula above the ankle are torn or stretched. Unlike inversion or eversion sprains, which affect ligaments around the ankle joint, high ankle sprains often result from rotational forces and can be more debilitating.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From An Ankle Sprain?
Recovery time for an ankle sprain depends on its severity:
- Grade 1 sprains (mild) typically heal within 1-2 weeks.
- Grade 2 sprains (moderate) can take 3-6 weeks.
- Grade 3 sprains (severe) may require several months of recovery, and surgery might be necessary for severe cases.
What Are The Best Ways To Prevent Ankle Sprains?
Preventing ankle sprains involves:
- Wearing supportive footwear with proper ankle stability.
- Strengthening the ankle muscles through exercises.
- Practising balance and proprioception training.
- Being cautious on uneven terrain and warming up before physical activity.
