Ankle Sprains in Sports: The Foot of Many Problems
Ankle injuries/sprains (most notably inversion/lateral/ “turning in” sprains) are the most frequent injuries in sports. They are generally caused by sudden turning of the foot/ankle during inward or outward movements, such as when an athlete steps in a hole or comes down on another person’s foot. Swelling is not an indication of the severity of the ankle sprain, therefore should be further evaluated by a certified athletic trainer and/or physician. On occasions, ankle sprains can be worse than fractures because if they are not allowed to heal in the appropriate time period and the athlete returns to activity too soon, the ankle may become chronically inflamed or unstable, resulting in chronic pain or recurrent sprains.

Initial treatment for ankle injuries involves the PRICES technique. Click here for a quick reference sheet.

There are many recommendations that may help in prevention of ankle sprains. Click here for a list of those recommendations.

Physician appointments:
Guthrie Medical Erwin, Painted Post, NY - (607) 937-4900 or
Guthrie Clinic Sayre, Sayre, PA - (570) 882-2239

Athletic trainer & sports rehabilitation appointments:
HealthWorks, Painted Post, NY - (607) 937-4800 or
Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA - (570) 882-4808