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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

If a sprained ankle is left untreated, if you engage in activities too soon after spraining your ankle or if you sprain your ankle repeatedly, you may experience the following complications:

  • Chronic pain
  • Chronic joint instability
  • Early-onset arthritis in that joint
Preparing for your appointment Risk factors

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  • Sprains and strains

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References
  1. Maughan KL. Ankle sprain. http://uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  2. Sprained ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00150. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  3. Krabak BJ, et al. Ankle sprain. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138719924-7/0/1678/78.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50077-8--cesec5_1238. Accessed May 21, 2009.
  4. McKeon PO, et al. Interventions for the prevention of first time and recurrent ankle sprains. 2008;27:371.
  5. Ho K, et al. Ankle and foot. Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/138922549-4/0/1365/150.html?tocnode=51892075&fromURL=150.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50060-3--cesec7_2538. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  6. Bone X-ray (radiography). Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=bonerad. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  7. General nuclear medicine. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=gennuclear. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  8. CT: Body. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=bodyct. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  9. MRI of the musculoskeletal system. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?PG=muscmr. Accessed May 22, 2009.

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Aug. 26, 2009

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