A common sport injury is an ankle sprain. A ankle sprain can occur in situations when there has been some trauma to the ankle area, for example, a fall or twisting inwards or outwards of the ankles. The injury can be stretching or tearing of the ligaments supporting the ankle bones. in severe ankle sprains, complications can arise due to bleeding, bruising and possible broken bones. Treatment and recovery from a sprained ankle varies depending on the severity of the sprain.
Severe Pain
One complication of an ankle sprain can be severe ankle pain from the compression of nerve fibers from the sprain and torn ligaments. The "American Academy of Family Physicians" journal contains a 2009 article that states that pain is a common symptom of a severe ankle sprain and the intensity of the pain can range from moderate to extreme depending of the degree of damage to the internal structures.
Loss of Mobility
A complication of a severe ankle sprain is loss of mobility or the inability to walk or ambulate. A severe stretched or torn ligament will limit or impair mobility which may require the use of crutches or a wheelchair. According to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, sprains can be classified into several grades. Loss of mobility associated with severe sprains is classified as grade 2 or 3.
Discoloration
A severe sprained ankle may present with discoloration and appear purple and green. This is a result of the bruising and the pooling of blood under the skin and tissue from the torn ligaments and tissues around the joint. The Mayo Clinic stated that ankle sprains with severe symptoms like discoloration and bruising could be possible signs of broken bones within the ankle injury. This will require immediate medical evaluation and medical treatment.
