see also Ankle Instability
Ankle sprains are one of the most common sports injuries. They often occur when playing sports that call for quick changes of direction, trying to keep your balance on an uneven surface or landing on another player’s foot. Your foot may roll over and you feel a sharp pain on the outside of your ankle. Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments around the ankle get stretched or torn. They commonly occur on the lateral (outside) ankle and are accompanied by pain, swelling, bruising, and stiffness.