How is an ankle sprain diagnosed?
The experts at the Sports Medicine Program at Children’s Hospital Colorado diagnose an ankle sprain by reviewing your child’s complete history and performing a physical exam on the ankle. In addition, ankle x-rays may be taken to rule out fractures and other complications.
Sprains are usually graded as I, II or III depending on the severity:
- Grade I - Minimal damage to ligament and minor pain.
- Grade II - May have mild looseness of joint with some damage to joint. The patient may have a large amount of swelling and bruising, along with moderate pain.
- Grade III - Complete tears of the ligament and the ankle may be unstable. Pain is severe, and usually putting pressure on the ankle is not bearable.