Ankle Complaints
The ankle joint connects the foot to the lower leg. It is surrounded by ligaments and a capsule, which provide stability and guide the joint's movements.
In a sprain, the ankle ligaments can be overstretched or torn, and the small blood vessels around them tear too, causing considerable swelling of the ankle. A sprained ankle is often so painful at first that you can't put weight on it. This is a normal response, and its purpose is to give the ankle enough rest to recover.
Symptoms
In around 90% of cases the ankle rolls inward (inversion). Pain and swelling on the outside of the ankle are the direct result. Most people can still stand on the foot, but walking is painful. Any bruising usually only becomes visible after a few days.