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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing a sprained ankle 
Sprained ankle

Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury.

Sprains

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Limited ability to move the affected joint
  • At the time of injury, you may hear or feel a "pop" in your joint

Strains

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Muscle spasms
  • Limited ability to move the affected muscle

When to see a doctor
Mild sprains and strains can be treated at home. But you should see a doctor if you:

  • Can't walk more than four steps without significant pain
  • Can't move the affected joint
  • Have numbness in any part of the injured area
  • See redness or red streaks spreading out from the injury
References
  1. Sprains and strains. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/default.asp. Accessed July 28, 2009.
  2. Activity health tip #2: Sprains, strains and contusions. National Athletic Trainers' Association. http://www.nata.org/consumer/sprainsandstrains.htm. Accessed July 28, 2009.
  3. Sprains and strains: What's the difference? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111. Accessed July 29, 2009.
  4. El Abd O. Low back strain or sprain. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151967914-3/868577610/1678/47.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50046-8_717. Accessed July 29, 2009.
  5. Geiderman JM. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/151967914-3/868577610/1365/118.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50051-2--cesec59_1711. Accessed July 29, 2009.

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Oct. 17, 2009

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