The ankle joint supports the body's entire weight. Forces equaling three times the body weight can impact the ankle while running or jumping. It is the most unprotected of all the joints.
Ankle sprains are the most common sports injury.
Acute ankle injuries include sprains, bone fractures, and joint dislocations. The most frequent cause of these injuries is an unexpected twist of an ankle. Over 20,000 ankle sprains occur daily in the United States. A sprain is a stretch, tear, or rupture of one or more of the ligaments that hold the bones of the ankle joint together. Severe ankle sprains need medical care and may require x-rays to make sure there is not a broken bone.