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A sprained ankle is an injury that happens once you roll, twist, or turn your ankle in a clumsy way. A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments are forced beyond their normal range of motion. Most sprained ankles involve injuries to the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle.

Causes of a sprained ankle might include:

A fall that causes your ankle to twist
Landing awkwardly on your foot after jumping or pivoting
Walking or exercising on an uneven surface
Another person stepping or landing on your foot during a sports activity

Signs and symptoms of a sprained ankle vary depending on the severity of the injury.

They may include:

Pain, especially when you bear weight on the affected foot.
Tenderness when you touch the ankle.
Restricted range of motion.
Instability in the ankle.
Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury

How do I know if my ankle pain is serious?

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

Have severe pain or swelling.
Have an open wound or severe deformity.
Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or a fever greater than 100 F (37.8 C)
Cannot put weight on your foot.

How to prevent ankle sprain

Warm up before you exercise or play sports.
Be careful when walking, running or working on an uneven surface.
Use an ankle support brace or tape on a weak or previously injured ankle.
Wear shoes that fit well and are made for your activity.
Minimize wearing high-heeled shoes.
Don’t play sports or participate in activities for which you are not conditioned.
Maintain good muscle strength and flexibility.
Practice stability training, including balance exercises.

Reference:

Sprained ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00150. Accessed May 25, 2017.
Maughan KL. Ankle sprain. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 25, 2017.
Kaminski TW, et al. National Athletic Trainers’ Association position statement: Conservative management and prevention of ankle sprains in athletes. Journal of Athletic Training. 2013; 48:528.
How to care for a sprained ankle. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/how-to/foot-injury/Pages/How to Care for a Sprained Ankle.aspx?PF=1. Accessed May 25, 2017.
Safran MR, et al. Sprain. In: Instructions for Sports Medicine Patients. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. https://clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 25, 2017.
Porter DA, et al. Principles of rehabilitation for the foot and ankle. In: Baxter’s The Foot and Ankle in Sport. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. https://clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 27, 2017.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, April 27). Sprained ankle. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 29, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprained-ankle/symptoms-causes/syc-20353225.