Ankle rolls, more accurately called ankle sprains, occur when you twist or turn your ankle awkwardly. This often happens when your foot is forced into an unnatural position, causing the ligaments that support the ankle joint to stretch or tear.
Common Causes of Ankle Sprains
Several actions can lead to an ankle sprain:
- Stepping in a hole: Uneven terrain unexpectedly forces your ankle into an awkward position.
- Twisting your ankle while walking or running: This is a common occurrence, especially on uneven surfaces or when changing direction quickly.
- Putting your weight down on your foot awkwardly: This can happen during sports, a sudden change in direction, or even just a misstep.
Often, the injury happens when the ankle is flexed and inverted, meaning the foot is bent and turned inward towards the other foot.
Understanding the Mechanism of Injury
Ankle sprains frequently involve the ligaments on the outer side of the ankle (lateral ligaments). These are responsible for stabilizing the ankle joint and preventing excessive movement. When these ligaments are overstretched or torn, an ankle sprain results. The severity of the sprain depends on the extent of the ligament damage.
Prevalence of Ankle Sprains
Ankle sprains are surprisingly common, accounting for a significant portion of sports-related injuries—a full 25% according to available data.
