History
- Pain on weight bearing and moving their ankle
- Swelling and tenderness anterior to lateral malleolus
- Effusion of blood (haematoma) with bruising and skin discolouration around and distal to the injury
- Ankle sprain may be accompanied by an audible snap, crack or tear, which, although often of great concern to the athlete and onlookers, has no particular diagnostic significance
Examination
- Assess the degree of instability present and the grade of ligamentous instability
- Palpate for bony tenderness
- Investigations
- X-ray
- CT, MRI or bone scan if persistent pain and disability despite appropriate treatment for four-six weeks.
Management
- Restricted weight bearing
- RICER regimen initially