Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries, particularly for those who play sports. In fact, a recent study of sub-elite female Australian football players revealed that ankle sprains were the most frequent injury, occurring at a rate of 2.2 per 1,000 hours of play (Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 2024). Similarly, male basketball players experience a high rate of ankle injuries at 3.85, with nearly half missing at least a week of practice.
Ankle sprains are quite prevalent in many sports, but they’re especially common in court games and team activities like football, soccer, volleyball, and basketball.
A sprained ankle typically happens when the ligaments supporting the ankle joint are overstretched or torn, usually from a sudden twist or turn. This often occurs during everyday activities like walking on uneven surfaces, playing sports, or wearing the wrong shoes. Without proper treatment, ankle sprains can lead to long-term ankle pain or further ligament damage.
Understanding how these injuries can happen leads us to the next important point: the severity of ankle ligament injuries. They can affect people of all ages and range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the damage.
While symptoms can vary, they generally fall into three grades of severity:
If you’ve injured your ankle, it’s important to consult a physiotherapist as soon as possible. Early diagnosis is key to help prevent further strain, and the sooner you start rehabilitation, the quicker you’ll recover from your sprain.
