[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) › Lateral Ankle Sprain

[Conditions](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/) · [Lower limb](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/lower-limb/)

# 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

Tap one to see what it is and open it in 3D.

- [ATFL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/anterior-talofibular-ligament/)
- [CFL](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/calcaneofibular-ligament/)
- [Fibula](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibula/)
- [Fibularis longus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibularis-longus-muscle/)
- [Fibularis brevis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/fibularis-brevis-muscle/)

## In the clinical exam

- [Ottawa ankle and knee rules](https://durgical.com/en/clinical-exam/ottawa-ankle-and-knee-rules/)

## 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

- [Ankle fracture](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ankle-fracture/)
- [Metatarsal fractures (including stress fractures)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/metatarsal-fractures/)

Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.

Sources: [Acute Ankle Sprain](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459212/) (StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf), 2024).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lateral-ankle-sprain/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/conditions/lateral-ankle-sprain/