How Serious Is a Rolled Ankle? Signs It Might Be More Than a Sprain
Rolling your ankle can happen in an instant—stepping off a curb the wrong way, landing awkwardly during a workout, or pivoting suddenly in a game. It’s one of the most common injuries, and many people shake it off with a bit of rest and ice. However, not all rolled ankles are as minor as they seem.
What Exactly Is a Rolled Ankle?
A rolled ankle typically refers to an inversion injury, where your foot turns inward and stretches the ligaments on the outside of your ankle. It’s the same thing as what most people call an ankle sprain, and it can range from mild to severe.
Your ankle is supported by strong ligaments that keep it stable and aligned. When you roll your ankle, these ligaments can stretch or tear, resulting in swelling, bruising, and pain.
In most cases, a rolled ankle is a Grade 1 sprain, a mild stretch with minimal tearing. However, depending on the force of the roll, it can also involve partial or complete ligament tears, tendon damage, or even broken bones.
Common Symptoms of a Rolled Ankle
If you’ve just rolled your ankle, here’s what you might feel:
- Sudden pain, especially on the outside of the ankle
- Swelling and tenderness
- Bruising that appears within hours or the next day
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot
- A feeling of instability or “wobbliness”
While these symptoms are typical of a sprain, they can also be signs of something more serious. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to how your symptoms develop in the hours and days after the injury.
6 Signs a Rolled Ankle Might Be More Than a Sprain
Sometimes, what feels like a basic sprain can actually be a more significant injury. Here are key signs that your rolled ankle might be more than it seems:
1. You Heard a Pop or Snap
Hearing or feeling a pop at the time of injury could indicate a ligament tear or even a fracture. If you heard a loud noise when you rolled your ankle, it’s a good idea to get it checked.
2. You Can’t Bear Weight on It
If walking is impossible or extremely painful, even after a day or two, your injury could be more severe than a mild sprain. Inability to put weight on your foot may point to a Grade 3 sprain (complete ligament tear) or a fractured bone.
3. Significant Swelling and Bruising
Some swelling is normal, but if your ankle balloons quickly or shows deep bruising, it could mean there’s more than just ligament involvement, like tendon damage or a bone bruise.
4. Your Ankle Feels Unstable or “Loose”
If your ankle feels like it could give out at any moment or you’re nervous to walk on uneven ground, this could be a sign of chronic instability or a complete tear that hasn’t healed properly.
5. Pain Is Not Improving After a Few Days
Mild sprains usually start to feel better within 2–3 days with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If your symptoms aren’t improving (or they’re getting worse) it may be time to seek care.
6. Numbness, Tingling, or Coldness in the Foot
These are not typical symptoms of a sprain and could indicate nerve involvement or vascular issues, both of which require immediate medical attention.
What Else Could It Be?
A rolled ankle can sometimes be mistaken for other injuries. Here’s what else it might be:
- Ankle Fracture: A break in one of the bones around the ankle joint. May require immobilization or surgery.
- High Ankle Sprain: A more serious injury involving ligaments above the ankle, often takes longer to heal.
- Peroneal Tendon Injury: These tendons run along the outside of your ankle and can become torn or dislocated.
- Osteochondral Injury: Damage to the cartilage in the ankle joint, often caused by trauma.
- Chronic Ankle Instability: Repeated sprains can lead to long-term instability that makes future injuries more likely.
When to See a Specialist
If you’re dealing with a rolled ankle and you’re unsure whether it’s serious, here’s a good rule of thumb:
If you’re still in pain or struggling to walk after 48–72 hours, you should be evaluated by a specialist.
At Motion Orthopaedics, we can assess your injury with a thorough exam and imaging, like X-rays or an MRI, to determine the exact cause of your pain. Early diagnosis can make all the difference in preventing long-term issues like instability or arthritis.
Meet Our Ankle Specialists
How Are Serious Ankle Injuries Treated?
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment may include:
- RICE protocol for mild sprains
- Bracing or boot immobilization for more moderate injuries
- Physical therapy to restore strength and range of motion
- Anti-inflammatory medications or injections to manage pain and swelling
- Surgery in cases of severe ligament tears or fractures
Rolled Your Ankle? Let’s Get You Back on Your Feet.
If you’ve recently rolled your ankle and are dealing with swelling, pain, or instability, don’t wait it out. Motion Orthopaedics offers expert evaluation and treatment for ankle injuries of all kinds, from minor sprains to complex ligament tears.
Click here to request an appointment today, and take the first step toward healing with confidence.
