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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle include:

  • Pain, especially when you bear weight on it
  • Swelling and, sometimes, bruising
  • Restricted range of motion

Some people hear or feel a "pop" at the time of injury.

When to see a doctor
Call your doctor if you have pain and swelling in your ankle and you suspect a sprain. Self-care measures may be all you need, but talk to your doctor to discuss whether you should have your ankle evaluated. If your signs and symptoms are severe, it's possible you may have broken a bone in your ankle or lower leg.

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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