What are ankle injuries?

An ankle injury is damage to the bones or soft tissues of the ankle. The ankle is a joint where three bones (the tibia, fibula and talus) meet. Cartilage covers the joint and helps it move. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments hold the bones together. Tendons connect the bones to muscles in the lower leg.

All of these bones and tissue help you move your ankle in different directions. Your ankle joints allow you to walk, run and jump. But breaks, tears or other types of damage can cause ankle pain. Injuries might make it difficult to do the activities you enjoy.

Who gets ankle injuries?

Anyone can get ankle injuries, but they’re more common in people who:

• Do high-impact activities such as running, soccer or gymnastics.
• Don’t use proper technique or wear the right shoes when playing sports.
• Have had previous ankle sprains, fractures or other types of ankle injuries.
• Have weak bones due to osteoporosis or other health conditions.
• Suddenly increase their activity level without proper conditioning.

Are there different types of ankle injuries?

There are different types of ankle injuries, including:

• Fractures (bones break in one or more places).
• Stress fractures (thin cracks in bones, not complete breaks).
• Sprains (overstretched or torn ligaments).
• Strains (overstretched or torn tendons).
• Tendinitis (inflamed tendons).

How common are ankle injuries?

Ankle injuries are common. About 1 million people report ankle injuries each year, and 3 out of 4 of those are ankle sprains.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Ankle injuries are common. They can affect the bones or soft tissues of the ankle joint. Injuries such as fractures and sprains might be the result of high-impact sports, sudden falls or overuse. Most people heal from ankle injuries without surgery. Rest and keeping weight off your ankle may be all you need to make a full recovery. But some ankle injuries need splints or surgery.

What causes ankle injuries?

Most ankle injuries are the result of:

• Repetitive overuse.
• Sudden trauma, such as a car accident.
• Tripping or falling.
• Twisting or rolling your ankle out of its normal alignment.
• Walking or running on uneven ground.

What are the symptoms of ankle injuries?

Different ankle injuries often produce similar symptoms, including:

• Bruising.
• Deformity (ankle joint looks dislocated or out of alignment).
• Inability to bear weight.
• Pain.
• Redness.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.

How are ankle injuries diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider performs a physical exam and assesses your symptoms. They may palpate, or press, on your ankle in different areas to check for swelling and tenderness. They might also rotate your ankle to check your range of motion.

They will also review your medical history. Be sure to explain how the injury happened. This information can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider may order an imaging exam such as an X-ray , CT scan or MRI. These tests create pictures of bones and soft tissues in your ankle. Your provider can see fractures, dislocations, tears, inflammation and other problems.

How are ankle injuries treated?

Most ankle injuries will heal without surgery. Common treatments include:

• RICE: Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are standard self-care treatments for most ankle injuries. RICE reduces pain, swelling and aids healing.
• Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help with pain and swelling. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Splinting: You may need a device called a splint to stabilize your ankle if you have a fracture. If broken bones have moved out of place, you might need a closed reduction before you can wear a splint. A closed reduction is a nonsurgical procedure to realign bones.
• Casts or boots: You may need a cast or boot on your lower leg to immobilize your ankle while it heals. Some people wear a hard cast 24/7 for several months. Soft casts or boots are removable. Crutches can help you get around in a cast.

Will I need ankle surgery?

Some people need ankle surgery for severe injuries. Complex fractures with multiple breaks might need to be surgically set back in place. A surgeon uses rods, screws or other hardware to keep the bones together as they heal.

Tendon or ligament tears may also require surgical treatment. Your surgeon might repair or remove damaged soft tissues. Sometimes they replace the injured tissue with healthy tissue from elsewhere in your foot or ankle.

How can I prevent ankle injuries?

Sometimes there’s no way to prevent sudden ankle injuries. But you can reduce your risk by:

• Keeping your bones healthy with calcium and vitamin D.
• Maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Not walking in high heels or poorly fitting shoes.
• Resting when you feel like you’re overusing your ankle.
• Starting new activities slowly and building up to peak performance.
• Using proper technique when playing sports or using equipment.
• Walking, running or exercising on even surfaces whenever possible.
• Warming up before exercise or physical activity.

What is the outlook for ankle injuries?

Healing from ankle injuries can take anywhere from two weeks to several months. Your recovery will depend on the severity of your injury and the type of treatment you have.

Rehabilitation after an ankle injury or surgery can help speed the healing process. Physical therapists work with you to rebuild strength, stability and range of motion in your ankle.

Children who have ankle fractures should have regular check-ups with their healthcare provider after the injury heals. It’s important to make sure that the bones continue to grow properly.

When should I contact my doctor about an ankle injury?

Contact your healthcare provider if your ankle:

• Can’t bear any weight (you can’t walk on your ankle).
• Hurts for more than a few days.
• Is swollen, bruised or tender.
• Doesn’t look right.