Signs and Symptoms of Ankle Sprains

Patients with a lateral ankle sprain may recall hearing a “popping” noise at the time of injury. A tearing sensation accompanied by a sound similar to that of crunching celery is also commonly described. Egg-shaped swelling and bruising along the outside of the ankle and foot are common, along with guarding (protecting) of the injured part. Pain is an almost certainty. Mild injuries, those commonly associated with incomplete sprains (incomplete tears within the ligament) or single ligament injury, may still allow for weight bearing on the affected limb—albeit with a significant limp. More severe injuries, those with multiple ligament involvement or complete ligament rupture, are associated with increased instability that may preclude weight bearing on the affected extremity.