An ankle sprain is the most common injury that occurs. The outside (lateral) ligaments are most commonly injured. This occurs by the foot twisting inwards under the shin. Acute sprain will cause immediate pain with subsequent bruising and swelling and difficulty putting weight through the ankle.
A sprain involves varying degrees of injury to the ligaments, ranging from ‘stretching’ to a complete tear.
The immediate treatment of these injuries involves ‘RICE’ – rest; ice; compression and elevation. The ankle may need to be immobilized in a brace, boot or sometimes plaster.
Following this initial period of immobilization, strengthening and proprioceptive exercises are needed to rehabilitate the ankle.
The majority of ankle sprains recover without problems. However some people may have ongoing pain &/or symptoms of the ankle giving way.
Significant symptoms that persist for longer than 3 months require expert evaluation and investigation.
Ongoing pain may be related to an osteochondral injury of the ankle (link)
Recurrent ankle instability may require surgical stabilization (link)