Signs of a Sprained Ankle
An ankle sprain occurs when the tissue that supports the joint where your foot meets your leg becomes overstretched because of an awkward or sudden movement or twist. There are three main grades of ankle sprains. Grade 1 causes only minor stretching, while Grade 2's stretching causes a slight tear in the tissue. In Grade 3 sprains, the tissue tears completely. Each grade of sprain produces similar symptoms, but the intensity and characteristics vary.
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Pain
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Ankle pain is a very common symptom of a sprained ankle and may occur even when you are not moving or putting weight on your ankle, reports the University of Michigan Health System. Pain in Grade 1 sprains is generally mild, with Grade 2 sprains causing more moderate pain. If you have a Grade 3 sprain, you are likely to experience severe pain at first, then abruptly followed by no pain at all, according to ePodiatry.com.
Swelling
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The pain of a sprain is usually accompanied by swelling caused by fluid building in your ankle joint area. With Grade 1 sprains, the swelling is typically minimal and visible only slightly around the outside of your ankle, explains Sports Injury Clinic. Grade 3 sprains usually result in severe swelling, which may make it difficult to put on a sock or shoe.
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Popping
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At the moment of injury, some people who suffer ankle sprains describe hearing a popping sound, reports the Mayo Clinic. The popping sound is actually that of the tissue or ligament in your ankle tearing and is a sign of a Grade 2 or 3 sprain in most cases.
Limited Mobility
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With damage to the ligaments in your ankle, you are likely to find difficulty in moving your foot. If you have a Grade 1 sprain, your ankle may feel stiff as if resisting your efforts to move it, explains ePodiatry. Grade 2 sprains result in slight decreases in your range of motion, while a Grade 3 sprain is likely to prohibit any movement of your foot.
Instability
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A sprained ankle often causes instability, which means a decrease in your joint's ability to bare weight. With a Grade 2 sprain, your ankle may shake if you try to put weight on it and result in severe pain, explains ePodiatry. If you suffer a Grade 3 sprain, your ankle is likely to have severe instability, making it impossible to bear weight and causing falls if you attempt to put weight on it, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Instability is not common with Grade 1 injuries.
Discoloration
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A Grade 3 ankle sprain often causes severe bruising or discoloration around your ankle. The bruising is usually a dark purple color and often occurs below your ankle. Grade 2 ankle sprains have the potential to cause light bruising, while Grade 1 sprains are not likely to cause any discoloration.
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