What are the most common types of ankle injuries and their causes?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Ankle sprains are the most common ankle injury, typically occurring when the ankle twists, rolls, or turns awkwardly during sports or everyday activities. Sprains happen when the ligaments supporting the ankle stretch or tear, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Because ankle pain can also stem from fractures, tendon injuries, or underlying conditions, it's important to identify the cause early. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand your symptoms, assess severity, and guide your next steps—whether that means at-home care or seeing a doctor. It only takes a few minutes and could save you time, worry, and unnecessary complications.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if ankle pain needs urgent care Discover likely causes of your ankle injury See if it could be a fracture Find OTC relief for ankle pain Find an ankle specialist near you Understand medically proven ankle home remedies Find out what’s causing ankle swelling

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Explanation

Ankle injuries are very common, especially among athletes. The most frequent type is an ankle sprain. This happens when the ligaments that hold the ankle bones together are stretched or torn.

Causes of Ankle Sprains:

Twisting or Rolling: This can occur when you step on an uneven surface or land awkwardly from a jump.
Sports Activities: Sports that involve jumping, running, or sudden changes in direction, like basketball or soccer, often lead to ankle sprains.

Types of Ankle Injuries:

Acute Ankle Sprains: These are sudden injuries that can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
Chronic Ankle Instability: If an ankle sprain doesn't heal properly, it can lead to ongoing problems, where the ankle feels wobbly or unstable.

If you're experiencing ankle pain or swelling and aren't sure about the severity of your injury, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help assess your symptoms and determine if you need medical attention. Taking care of your ankles by wearing proper footwear and strengthening exercises can help prevent these injuries.

(References)

Fong DT, Hong Y, Chan LK, Yung PS, & Chan KM. (2007). A systematic review on ankle injury and ankle sprain in sports. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 17190537.
Chan KW, Ding BC, & Mroczek KJ. (2011). Acute and chronic lateral ankle instability in the athlete. Bulletin of the NYU hospital for joint diseases, 21332435.
Halabchi F, & Hassabi M. (2020). Acute ankle sprain in athletes: Clinical aspects and .... World journal of orthopedics, 33362991.

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