Ankle Injuries

While it is easy to take your ankles for granted, they are an important part of your ability to be mobile. If you suffer an ankle injury it can hamper your ability to go to work or to do daily tasks. Ankle injuries are commonly the result of car accidents or slip and fall accidents. Types of ankle injuries include:

Ankle Sprains

An ankle sprain is an injury to a ligament that holds the bones and joints of the ankle together. A sprained ankle occurs when ligaments become stretched or torn. This is usually the result of twisting or rolling the ankle beyond its normal range of motion. Ankle sprains are graded based on severity:

• Grade I:  a mild sprain where the ligaments have been stretched but are usually not torn. There may be swelling and some soreness but no loss of stability. Grade I sprains usually heal in a couple of weeks.
• Grade II:a moderate, more painful sprain where the ligament is partially torn. There is usually some swelling and bruising throughout the foot and ankle. The ankle may feel loose and unstable. Treatment includes immobilization of the ankle in a brace or splint. Grade II sprains can take up to 8 weeks to fully heal. 
• Grade III:a severe sprain with gross instability in the joint. It typically results in a complete tear of the ligament. There is sharp and severe pain with significant swelling and bruising. Often the instability makes it difficult to walk, and crutches and a boot are needed. In some cases, surgery may be required and can take up to 6 months for a full recovery.

Ankle Strain

An ankle strain deals with the muscles and tendons of the ankle, and not the ligaments. An ankle strain occurs when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. Ankle strains are less common than ankle sprains.

Ankle Fractures

An ankle fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. A broken ankle involves the far or distal end of the tibia and/or fibula. Ankle fractures typically occur at the ankle joint. Doctors classify ankle fractures based on the area of the ankle that is broken.

Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney

If you sustained an ankle injury due to someone’s negligence, it is important to contact a trusted personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our attorneys have extensive experience helping the injured. Contact us online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 today to schedule your free consultation.