Ankle sprains are the most prevalent form of injury. Sprained ankles are the most prevalent injury among female softball players, accounting for around 10% of all injuries in both practice and games. The risk of sprain increases with age, as well as history of previous sprain or strain. Female athletes who have had one or more previous ankle sprains are at greater risk of further injury. Sprains can occur when the ligaments that connect bones to bones become damaged. Ligaments serve to stabilize the joints we walk or play sports with, providing support and restraint while also allowing certain degrees of movement. Injured ligaments do not heal themselves; rather, they scar over time. Old scars may be thinner than normal ligaments, exposing bone which could lead to recurrent instability if left untreated. Softball is an offensive game designed to get batters out. This means that runners will be on base a lot - about 7 times per game. Because of this, it's important that any player suffering from an ankle sprain gets proper treatment so that she can return to the field as soon as possible. Ankle sprains can be difficult to diagnose because many symptoms are similar to those of other conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, and fractures.