Sprained ankle

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

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Definition

Spraining your ankle isn't difficult to do. Sometimes, all it takes to get a sprained ankle is a roll, twist or turn of your ankle in an awkward way. This unnatural movement can stretch or tear the ligaments in your ankle.

Ligaments are tough, elastic bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another. They help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion.

Although a sprained ankle is rarely a serious medical condition, contact your doctor if you think you have a sprained ankle. Treatment for a sprained ankle depends on the severity of the injury. Although self-care measures and over-the-counter pain medications may be all you need, a medical evaluation might be necessary to reveal how badly you've sprained your ankle and to put you on the right path to recovery.

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Symptoms