Sprain or strain

Sprain or strain of the ankle is the condition where the ankle is turned forcibly inwards or outwards, stretching the ligaments between the lower end of the bones of the lower leg (the tibia on the inside and the fibula on the outside) and the ankle bone. There is swelling of the joint (because the ligament forms part of the capsule of the joint) and tenderness over the affected ligament. As with any over use injury which produces swelling and inflammation, the treatment is RICE - Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Once the acute injury has settled, the joint may be made more stable by exercises. This is important since any weakness in a ligament will make the ankle more liable to further injury, and it may become recurrent.
 

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