Ankle sprains are produced by unexpected twisting injuries that injure the soft tissue supports of the ankle joint. These supports are called ligaments. When sprains occur, the ankle hurts, swells, and may bruise. In most cases, these symptoms resolve and eventually the injured person is able to get back to full activity.

Occasionally, the ankle does not become pain-free. The pain indicates that something continues to be wrong. This could include an unsuspected fracture inside the ankle joint that may not have been apparent at the time of injury, scar tissue build-up that pinches (“impinges”) between the bones during movement, instability of tendons around the ankle, or failure of the ankle ligaments to heal in a way that leaves the ankle joint stable.

The good news is that all of these problems are treatable, once an accurate diagnosis is made. Treatment may involve rehabilitation or surgery or a combination of both. For best results, see an orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in the treatment of these problems.