What an ankle sprain is
A sprain is a stretch or tear of the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together. The most common type happens when the foot rolls inward and injures the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.
When to get an X-ray first
Get checked at urgent care or an emergency department if you can't take four steps right after the injury, if there's tenderness directly on the ankle or foot bones, or if the ankle looks deformed. These can be signs of a fracture.
Weak ankles and repeat sprains
Some people go on to have an ankle that gives way, rolls easily, or never feels fully stable. This is called chronic ankle instability. High arches can add to the problem.
Injuries that hide behind a sprain
When an ankle stays painful or swollen for weeks, the visit checks for injuries that can be missed early on, such as a tendon tear on the outside of the ankle, a high ankle sprain, or an injury to the cartilage of the ankle joint.
Which visit to book
Book the Focused Pain visit ($199).
When not to wait. If you can't put weight on your foot after an injury, have a wound, spreading redness, warmth, fever, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale, or dark, go to urgent care or an emergency department, or call 911. This clinic does not provide emergency care.