Lateral Ankle Sprain

The most common form of ankle sprain is a lateral ankle sprain. It results from the stretching or tearing of ligaments on the outside of the ankle. This can occur in an accidental movement that forces the ankle to turn under and the sole of the foot inward. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness and warmth to the touch, and pain on the lateral (outside) portion of the ankle.

Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation for 24 to 28 hours postinjury

Prevention

  • Wear shoes specific to your sport.
  • Perform strengthening exercises during the pre- and off-seasons.
  • Use tape or bracing for added stability.
  • Avoid running on uneven surfaces.

Rehabilitation

  • Begin with isometric exercises for full muscle contraction with no joint movement, as in pushing against a wall.
  • Stretch in order to restore full range of motion.
  • Isotonic exercises to further improve strength, such as resisted ankle motion exercises.
  • Balance to regain proprioception (sense of where your foot is in space).
  • Functional activities, such as walking, running, and jumping.
  • Sports-specific activities (movements specific to your individual sport).
​Content on this page is for informational purposes only. If injured, please consult a physician.
​

Contact Us

To schedule an appointment with a physician or other Sports Medicine expert, call 1-855-93-SPORT (77678).

UPMC Center for Sports Medicine
3200 S. Water St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

©  UPMC | Affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences
Supplemental content provided by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions. All rights reserved.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

UPMC is an equal opportunity employer. UPMC policy prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, sex, genetics, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected group status. Further, UPMC will continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This policy applies to admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in UPMC programs and activities. This commitment is made by UPMC in accordance with federal, state, and/or local laws and regulations.

Medical information made available on UPMC.com is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely entirely on this information for your health care needs. Ask your own doctor or health care provider any specific medical questions that you have. Further, UPMC.com is not a tool to be used in the case of an emergency. If an emergency arises, you should seek appropriate emergency medical services.

For UPMC Mercy Patients: As a Catholic hospital, UPMC Mercy abides by the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, as determined by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. As such, UPMC Mercy neither endorses nor provides medical practices and/or procedures that contradict the moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

© UPMC
Pittsburgh, PA, USA UPMC.com