Lateral Ankle Sprain !
A lateral ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, usually when the foot rolls inward; it causes pain and swelling.
Updated 2026-10-23
Structures involved
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In the clinical exam
What it is
Injury to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle, usually from an inversion force.
Symptoms and signs
- Pain and swelling on the outer ankle
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Instability in more severe cases
Diagnosis
- Clinical
- Exam and Ottawa rules for X-ray need
- Imaging
- X-ray to rule out fracture; MRI if chronic instability
Treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Early protected motion, physical therapy for balance and strength. Most heal without surgery.
- Surgical
- Reconstruction considered for recurrent instability that does not improve with rehab.
Related conditions
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Acute Ankle Sprain (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).
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Representative model, for educational purposes only.
