What Are Ankle Sprains?

A sudden sideways motion, a twist, or a misstep. When your foot lands off balance, muscles may give way, allowing the ankle joint to move too far. If ligaments connecting the foot and anklebones overstretch or tear, a sprain is the result. These sudden injuries cause pain both at the time they occur and throughout the healing process. Depending on the sprain, swelling and bruising may extend from your ankle into your foot. Left untreated, sprains may not heal properly, making reinjury more likely. With proper care, however, sprains can heal correctly. And, in many cases, you can reduce the risk of reinjury.

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