Alsamdan tries to get up and walk it off, but she can't because of the excruciating pain. She yells for her mom, unable to walk into the house. Her mom calls their doctor, who recommends an X-ray. This will help to differentiate between a fracture and a sprain. Injuries to the ankle commonly tear the outside ligaments.
Fractures can occur as well.
And with adolescents and pre-adolescents, consideration needs to be given to the growth plate. In Alsamdan's situation, and similar cases, the physical exam is more revealing than the X-ray. Protected weight bearing with some type of ankle support is important to protect the healing ligaments. Range of motion exercises followed by progressive strengthening allows an earlier return to normal function. Alsamdan should continue to use an ankle brace or at least ankle taping when she returns to basketball or gymnastics.