Ankle Sprain eMedicine PMR

Description: A large percentage of musculoskeletal injuries observed in the outpatient setting involve the ankle. Sprains constitute 85% of all ankle injuries. Of these, 85% are inversion sprains. Up to one sixth of participation time lost from sports results from ankle sprains. Proper rehabilitation begins with accurate diagnosis because up to 40% of patients with untreated or misdiagnosed ankle injuries develop chronic symptoms. Most injuries respond to treatment. Pain reduction is essential, but improvement of any loss of motion, strength, and/or proprioception is equally important.
Synonyms and related keywords: ankle sprain, ankle strain, inversion ankle injury, eversion ankle injury, ankle pain
Author: Marlon P Rimando, MD 2007