A sprained ankle occurs when a supportive ligament is overstretched or torn. This common injury can occur when you roll your ankle while missing a step on a flight of stairs, while playing sports, or while running on an uneven surface, to name a few causes. Sprained ankles often mimic signs and symptoms of fractures, so to ensure you get a thorough diagnosis early on, you need to see your podiatrist if you experience:
Bruising or swelling
Pain or inflammation
Difficulty bearing weight on the ankle
Without proper treatment, a sprained ankle can lead to permanent instability, which can leave you more prone to going through the same injury time and time again. Early intervention and medical treatment are important to ensure you have a full recovery.