Ankle sprains typically occur on slippery, unstable, or uneven surfaces. An awkward motion or impact causes the foot to roll in (inversion) or out (eversion), resulting in the stretching or tearing of ligaments. Occasionally the injury will be accompanied by a cracking, popping, or snapping sound, and the ankle will immediately begin to swell and become painful and tender.

The severity of an ankle sprain depends on how badly the ligaments are damaged. Sprains are generally classified as mild, moderate, or severe. A mild to moderate sprain is usually a stretch or minor tear of ligaments, while a severe sprain can leave one or more ligaments completely torn, resulting in a very loose and unstable ankle joint. In some cases, a doctor may choose to x-ray the ankle to make sure it is not fractured or broken.

Treatment of ankle sprains usually follows the R.I.C.E. method- Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Rest- Take it easy. Rest your ankle for as long as necessary depending on the type of sprain you have. Make sure to use crutches if it is painful or difficult to stand

Ice- Use ice baths, bags, or soft ice packs to help decrease swelling, pain, and bruising for at least 2-3 days after injury

Compression- Wrap the ankle in an ACE or other supportive bandage to help keep it supported and compressed. Using compression along with ice treatment helps to minimize swelling and bruising. Depending on your injury, the ankle should be wrapped for anywhere from 2 days to a week or more

Elevation- By raising the ankle to or above the level of your heart, you can help control blood flow, which will keep the swelling from worsening and help with bruising. Try to keep it elevated for about 2-3 hours a day