Discover the Answer

An ankle injury occurs when the ankle joint is twisted too far out of its normal position. Most ankle injuries occur either during sports activities or while walking on an uneven surface that forces the foot and ankle into an unnatural position.

Learn How to Relieve Symptom

To reduce pain and swelling:

• Sit with your foot elevated higher than your knee at least 4 times a day.
• Apply an ice pack 20 minutes of every hour you are awake for the first 2 days.
• After 2 days, use the ice pack for 10 - 20 minutes 3 times a day, as needed.

Sprains, Strains, and Fractures

Ankle injuries are defined by the kind of tissue -- bone, ligament, or tendon -- that's damaged. The ankle is where three bones meet the tibia and fibula of your lower leg with the talus of your foot. These bones are held together at the ankle joint by ligaments, which are strong elastic bands of connective tissue that keep the bones in place while allowing normal ankle motion. Tendons attach muscles to the bones to do the work of making the ankle and foot move, and help keep the joints stable.

The Causes

Ankle injuries are often thought of as sports injuries. But you don't have to be an athlete or even a "weekend warrior" to turn your ankle and hurt it. Something as simple as walking on an uneven surface can cause a painful, debilitating sprain.