Definition

A grade 3 ankle sprain is when one or both of the lateral ligaments of the ankle are overstretched which results in a rupture of the ligament. Normally with a sprain of this severity the ankle joint becomes dislocated due to the lack of support from the ligaments that have been torn.

Parts involved

• lateral ligaments of the ankle

• the three major bones that form the ankle joint, talus, tibia and fibula

• surrounding tissues succh as blood vessels, nerves and periosteum

Signs & Symptoms

• extreme ankle pain at the moment of injury

• popping or tearing feeling in the area of the ankle joint

• extreme tenderness or the ankle especially in the area of the injured ligament

• normally complete loss of ankle function, and the person normally collapses at the moment the injury occurs

• ankle joint feels loose

• swelling is noticed almost immediately and is pronouced

• bruising will also appear very quickly and is also pronouced

causes

extreme stress put on one side or the other of the ankle joint which forces the ankle ankle out of its normal lateral range of motion and leads to the over stretching of the ligaments and the eventual partial tearing seen with grade 2 ankle sprains.

Risks

• pre existing ankle injury

• Sports with sudden impacts such as football, hockey etc

• sports that require the athlete to change direction suddenly such as basketball, football, hockey etc

• running on uneven ground or ground with holes such as a filed or road with potholes

• shoes that do not provide support for the foot and do not prevent the foot from rolling over

Prevention

Proper foot wear is very important in providing a stable platform for the foot and ankle but more importantly you should devise a flexibility and strengthening program designed for your sport or activity, which will help to develop and strengthen the ankle joint.

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