The weaker lateral ligaments are involved in the majority of ankle sprains. There are fewer injuries to the medial complex involving the deltoid ligament, but these are more severe and require more time to heal. A sprain involves damage to a ligament. In a mild injury, the ligament may only be stretched, resulting in microscopic injury to the ligament. In a more severe sprain, the ligament may actually tear or rupture.
Injuries can occur either in the ligament s midsubstance or at the point of attachment to the bone.
Of the three lateral complex ligaments, the most frequently injured is the ATF, the weakest of the ankle ligaments. Performing movements that require agility puts an athlete at risk for ankle sprains. Doctors grade sprains according to their severity. There s some controversy over taking an ankle that s mildly injured, icing it, taping it, and putting the athlete back in to play. The athlete may be able to return for two quarters of a game, but may be out for the next two weeks because the swollen ankle won t allow rehabilitation.