Ankle sprain - What are the symptoms?

Your sprained ankle will be painful, swollen, probably bruised and may feel warm to touch. You might find it hard to move your foot, walk or even stand at first.

Your symptoms will depend on how seriously you've sprained your ankle.[1]

Grade I is a mild sprain. Pain, swelling and bruising are usually slight. You can probably move your ankle joint and put weight on your foot.
Grade II is a moderate sprain. Pain, swelling and bruising are more serious. You may find it hard to move your ankle and put weight on it.
Grade III is a severe sprain. Pain, swelling and bruising are usually quite bad. You won't be able to put weight on the ankle joint.

You might have felt a pop or tear when you twisted your ankle. This could mean you've completely torn or ruptured the ligaments. This type of sprain is the most serious.

You should go to see a doctor if your ankle is very swollen and you find it hard to stand. You should also ask for advice if you aren't sure how serious the injury is, or need to know how to care for it. Your doctor may gently feel how tender your bone is and see if you can walk four steps. This is to decide if you need an X-ray to check whether you've fractured a bone.[2]

The pain and swelling of a mild sprain should start to get better after a couple of days. You need to start treatment, known as RICE, as soon as possible to bring the swelling down. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. If you have a more serious sprain, your swollen ankle can take a week or longer to settle. If your sprain is moderate or severe, you should see your doctor again after about a week to discuss further treatment.[3]

References

Watson-Jones R. Fractures and joint injuries. Churchill Livingstone, London, UK; 1976.
Stiell IG, Greenberg GH, McKnight RD, et al. A study to develop clinical decision rules for the use of radiography in acute ankle injuries. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 1992; 21: 384-390.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Questions and answers about sprains and strains. Available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp (accessed on 3 October 2007).

Glossary

X-ray: X-rays are pictures taken of the inside of your body. They are made by passing small amounts of radiation through your body and then onto film.

This information does not replace medical advice. If you are concerned you might have a medical problem please ask your Boots pharmacy team in your local Boots store, or see your doctor.