What can you damage when you roll your ankle?

A sprained ankle is an injury that occurs when you roll, twist or turn your ankle in an awkward way. This can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue (ligaments) that help hold your ankle bones together. Ligaments help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement.

When should you go to the hospital for a sprained ankle?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs.

How do you know if I’ve torn a ligament in my ankle?

If you have torn your ankle ligament, symptoms include:

  1. Swelling around your ankle joint.
  2. A feeling of instability.
  3. Bruising – sometimes up your lower leg and into your foot.
  4. Tenderness to touch.
  5. Pain when putting weight on your ankle.
  6. Popping sound at the time of injury.

How long does it take for swelling to go down after a rolled ankle?

The pain and swelling of an ankle sprain most often gets better within 48 hours.

What happens when you roll your ankle and it pops?

A “popping” sound is very common to hear at the moment when you sprains your ankle. A “cracking” noise means it’s most likely a fractured bone. Swelling can be normal for this type of injury, but if your ankle appears deformed or crooked at the same time, it’s most likely a fracture. Numbness also indicates a fracture.

Should I go to A&E for a sprained ankle?

Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage.

When should you get an xray for sprained ankle?

It’s time to get an X-ray if your child has any of the following symptoms: Tenderness over the bony prominence on either side of the ankle, particularly if it’s in the back. Inability to bear any weight for four steps (limping counts as weight-bearing).

How should you sleep with a sprained ankle?

Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.

How do you know the severity of a sprained ankle?

What are the types of ankle sprains?

  1. Grade 1 (Mild). The ligament fibers stretched slightly or there is a very small tear. Your ankle will have minor swelling and tenderness to the touch.
  2. Grade 2 (Moderate). The ligament is torn, but it isn’t a complete tear.
  3. Grade 3 (Severe). The ligament is torn completely.

Do you feel a pop when you sprain your ankle?

A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers. When a sprain occurs, you may fall or be unable to stand on that foot. You may even hear a “pop.” Pain and swelling will occur.