• Pain above the ankle
• Pain that travels up the lower leg
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty bearing weight
• Pain with walking
• Pain when rotating the foot
• Reduced ankle stability

• Deep pain above the ankle joint
• Pain when pushing off the foot
• Pain when turning or rotating
• Difficulty walking normally
• Ankle feels weak or unstable
• Pain during cutting or pivoting
• Discomfort that may extend up the leg

• Foot twisting outward
• Lower leg rotating inward
• Football tackles
• Soccer injuries
• Skiing accidents
• Sudden cutting or pivoting
• Contact sports
• Forceful ankle rotation

• Notice whether pain is above the ankle
• Check whether walking or pushing off increases pain
• Look for swelling or bruising
• Notice whether rotating the foot worsens symptoms
• Do not perform forceful squeeze or rotation tests
• A self-check cannot determine injury severity

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

1. 1Stop sports and weight-bearing activity
2. 2Rest and elevate the ankle
3. 3Apply wrapped ice
4. 4Use compression without wrapping too tightly
5. 5Use crutches if walking is painful
6. 6Seek medical evaluation
7. 7Avoid returning to play while symptoms remain

• Visible deformity
• Inability to bear weight
• Cold, pale, or numb foot
• Severe swelling
• Pain after major trauma
• Tenderness directly over a bone
• Ankle feels completely unstable
• Symptoms continue to worsen

• Recovery may take longer than a regular ankle sprain
• Follow weight-bearing restrictions
• Use a brace or boot if prescribed
• Restore motion before strengthening
• Complete balance and stability exercises
• Return to cutting sports gradually
• Severe injuries may require surgery