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Ankle Sprains, Lateral, Sports Medicine

Christopher A. Gee, MD, MPH, FACEP, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Lateral ankle sprains are the most common injury sustained by athletes 1 and comprise approximately 14% of all sports-related injuries 2.

  • Over 80% of sprains are due to an inversion t...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

Patients report history of inversion-type injury often with an audible pop. This is followed by rapid swelling, pain, and an inability to walk. 

PHYSICAL EXAM

  • Physical examination revea...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Initial therapy focuses on PRICE (protection [bracing], rest, ice, compression, elevation) protocol to decrease pain and swelling.

  • Crutches can be used until patient is able t...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Patients may return to play once they have achieved a full range of motion and strength as well as being able to perform their sport-specific ac...

REFERENCES

1
Roos KG, Kerr ZY, Mauntel TC, et al. The epidemiology of lateral ligament complex ankle sprains in National Collegiate Athletic Association sports. Am J Sports Med.  2017;45(1):201–20...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Extremely common injury that can present with swelling, ecchymosis, and inability to walk

  • Thorough exam and proper imaging (when indicated) can help to avoid missing associated fracture...

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