Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries, and they are often not treated appropriately. Sprains are classified into first, second, and third degree sprains. A first degree sprain is stretching or microscopic tearing off a ligament causing local tenderness and minimal swelling. Weight bearing is possible after the injury. Second degree sprains are when there is severe stretching and partial tearing of a ligament, causing marked tenderness, moderate swelling, mild bruising and moderate pain with weight bearing.
Third degree sprains are when there is complete rupture of ligaments.
The person in unable to bear weight and there is marked tenderness and swelling, bruising, and often an obviously deformed joint. Most sprains may be treated initially with a compression dressing, elevation, ice, and immobilization. Splints may be used when you resume activity which provide additional support to the joint. However, full athletic activity should not be resumed until you can sprint without limping, run circles and figures of eight at full speed without pain, and, finally, cut at right angles off the affected joint without pain. If you are experiencing pain following activity, you have resumed activity at too high a level and too soon.