Ligaments are strong, flexible tissues that connect bones to each other, keep joints stable, and help them move properly.
An ankle sprain occurs when the ankle ligaments are stretched or torn. More about your injury, there are 3 degrees of ankle sprain:
Grade I sprains: Ligaments are stretched. It is a slight injury that can be improved with a little gentle stretching.
Grade II sprains: The ligaments are partially torn. You may need to wear a splint or cast.
Grade III sprains: The ligaments are completely torn. You will likely need surgery for this serious injury.
The last 2 types of sprains are often associated with a small blood vessel tear. This allows blood to leak into the tissues and cause a blue and black discoloration in the area. Blood may not appear for several days. Most of the time it is absorbed from the tissues after 2 weeks.
If the sprain is more severe:
You can feel severe pain and have a lot of inflammation.
You may not be able to walk, or walking may be painful.
Some ankle sprains can become chronic (long lasting). If this happens to you, your ankle may continue:
Presenting pain and swelling
Being weak or easily bending
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