When the band of tissues which hold the bones together called ligaments get torn or stretched beyond its limits, this results in pain in the ankle. It is often called sprained ankle. The most common ones are lateral and medial ankle sprain. Lateral ankle sprain occurs when the foot twists accidentally to the inner side of the legs and causes harm to the outer part of the ankle. Medial ankle sprain is a kind of sprain where the foot twists outwards causing damage to the inner parts of the ankle. This is not so common.

The ankle bone is known as talus and there are two small bones in the leg called fibula. The Talofibular ligament is the one which connects these two, that is the talus and the fibula. There is another ligament which connects the heel bone to the fibula called as calcaneofibular. These two ligaments are the ones which are usually damaged in severe ankle sprains. Generally ankle sprains result in swelling and in some cases bleeding as well.

There is treatment which exists for severe cases. In most of the milder cases rest and cold therapy works the best. Initially the treatment comprises of first aid at the location where the person has got injured and then if need be rehabilitation and measures to strengthen the muscles are carried out. The whole treatment is followed by a set of exercises for the ankle. This includes rotating motion and stretching of the ankle. This brings the ankle back to the normal way of functioning.

Ankle sprains are divided into 3 grades considering the extent of damage that has occurred to the ankle. Grade 1 comprises of mild swelling, pain and tightness of the ankle and muscles around the ankle. This may be due to small tears in the ligaments not of serious nature. Grade 2 consists of some problem in walking or running or even moving the ankle in any manner. This requires some attention initially so that the duration to recover from it gets reduced. Similar problems are seen but to a higher degree. Ligaments may have been torn to an extent. Sprain of grade 3 may be of a much serious nature as this may be characterized with completely torn ligament and severe swelling at the joint. A sports specialist will prescribe the person some anti inflammatory medicines. A massage could help in recovery; however it should not be done with oil.

In serious cases the sequence of Rest, Cold therapy, Compression and Elevation is followed. One may be advised to use crutches for a while. Cold therapy includes exposing the area to ice which can reduce swelling and pain to a large extent. If this is repeated a couple of times then bleeding may stop. Compressing using a bandage also helps in stopping the blood flow as well as swelling. Elevating the leg to a greater height will help the blood to flow in the opposite direction thereby allowing it to heal faster.

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