A sprained ankle is another common injury in football. An ankle sprain can occur in soccer by simply rolling the ankle, twisting ankle awkwardly in a tackle or due to some unstable ground. For example, planting foot awkwardly when running, landing unbalanced from a jump or stepping onto an irregular surface on the soccer field (e.g. a ditch in the field). Many athletes tape or brace their ankles to help reduce the risk of ankle sprains when participating in the sport. |
Classification:
An ankle sprain is an indirect, soft tissue injury that is not caused by overuse, but rather sudden trauma.
An ankle sprain can be classified as either a Grade I, Grade II or Grade III sprain.
Grade I
- Stretching/slight tearing of ligament
- Mild tenderness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Ankle feels stable
- Possible to walk with minimal pain
Grade II
- Larger but incomplete tear
- Moderate pain, swelling and bruising
- Ankle sometimes feels stable
- Damaged areas are tender to touch
- Walking is painful
Grade III
- Complete tear of the affected ligament(s)
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Ankle is unstable/feels “wobbly”
- Walking usually not possible
- Ankle gives out
- Intense pain
Symptoms:
- Heard a pop or crack
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain within the ankle
- Difficulties with walking/standing on foot (depending on severity)
An ankle sprain is an indirect, soft tissue injury that is not caused by overuse, but rather sudden trauma.
An ankle sprain can be classified as either a Grade I, Grade II or Grade III sprain.
Grade I
- Stretching/slight tearing of ligament
- Mild tenderness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Ankle feels stable
- Possible to walk with minimal pain
Grade II
- Larger but incomplete tear
- Moderate pain, swelling and bruising
- Ankle sometimes feels stable
- Damaged areas are tender to touch
- Walking is painful
Grade III
- Complete tear of the affected ligament(s)
- Severe swelling and bruising
- Ankle is unstable/feels “wobbly”
- Walking usually not possible
- Ankle gives out
- Intense pain
Symptoms:
- Heard a pop or crack
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Pain within the ankle
- Difficulties with walking/standing on foot (depending on severity)