Signs of a Sprained Ankle and Other Common Sports Injuries

Getting involved in sports is a great way to take care of both your physical and mental health - but injuries can stop you in your tracks. The seven most common sporting injuries include ankle sprain, groin pull, hamstring strain, shin splints, ACL tears, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and tennis elbow. Preventing these injuries is easy if you take the proper steps, including wearing appropriate footwear, being properly conditioned, and taking on new exercise programs slowly.

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The 7 Most Common Sports Injuries 

Sports injuries are common, and can cause major disruption to an athlete’s goals and training plan. For people trying to stay healthy, sports injuries can seriously impact their physical and mental health. The most common injuries are listed below, as well as the sports they are usually associated with, what causes these injuries, and how they are diagnosed and treated. 

Source: Samuel Koo, MD, MPH

1. Ankle Sprain

The most common sports injury is a sprained ankle. A sprained ankle occurs when someone twists, rolls, or turns their ankle the wrong way, tearing or stretching the bands (ligaments) that help hold the ankle bones together. Under normal circumstances, the ligaments can stretch to a certain degree, but an ankle sprain occurs when they are pulled too far. The most common type of ankle sprain occurs on the outside of the ankle. Common sports associated with ankle sprains include basketball, tennis, football, soccer, and trail running. 

Symptoms of a sprained ankle will include:

• Pain, especially when bearing weight on the affected ankle
• Swelling of the ankle
• Bruising
• Instability of the area
• A popping sensation at the time of the injury.

Ankle sprains are not serious in the long term, but they can lead to complications. An ankle sprain can lead to chronic joint pain or instability or arthritis in the ankle joint if left untreated. Imaging such as an X-ray or MRI  is usually unnecessary to diagnose an ankle sprain, but your doctor may recommend it if they are worried that the injury is severe. 

To treat an ankle sprain, you’ll want to use a classic formula called RICE:

1. Rest: Avoid doing activities that cause further injury or pain
2. Ice: Use an ice pack for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
3. Compression: Compress the ankle with an elastic bandage to prevent swelling.
4. Elevation: Elevate your ankle, especially at night.

Remember that the above is just advice; if you feel that the injury is not improving, please consult with a physician such as a family medicine practitioner to get personalized treatment.