Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle

The symptoms of a sprained ankle that your employee has suffered can vary in severity depending on the extent of the ligament injury. Common symptoms of a sprained ankle include:

• Pain – Ankle pain is a primary symptom of a sprain. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Swelling – Swelling around the ankle joint is a typical response to a sprain. The employee’s injured area may appear swollen and feel tender to the touch.
• Bruising – Bruising or discoloration of the skin around the ankle (due to blood vessels breaking as a result of the injury) is often present, especially in moderate to severe sprains. 
• Limited Range of Motion — A worker with an ankle sprain may experience difficulty moving the affected ankle. Swelling and pain can also be major contributors to a reduced range of motion.
• Instability or Weakness — A feeling of instability or weakness in the ankle is common, particularly in more severe sprains. The affected employee may feel unsteady or unable to bear weight on the injured foot.
• Tenderness — The area around the sprained ankle may be tender to the touch, and your worker may experience discomfort when pressure is applied.

Keep in mind that the above-mentioned symptoms may not appear immediately after the injury has occurred. In certain cases, these symptoms may develop gradually, especially if the sprain is mild. Moreover, individual employee experiences with pain and swelling can vary.