Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in children. Ankles are made up of bones, muscles and ligaments. Ligaments are tough, stretchy tissue that holds the bones together. The ligaments help to stop the ankle joint from moving around too much.
Ankle sprains usually happen when there is a sudden movement or twist- often when the foot rolls over- and the ligaments are overstretched. This causes tears and bleeding (which show as bruising and swelling) around the ankle joint.
These movements are more likely to happen when a person is running, jumping or quickly changing direction e.g in sports such as basketball, netball or football.
