What is the most common mechanism of injury for ankle sprains?

The most common mechanism of injury for ankle sprains is inversion. This occurs when the foot rolls inward, causing stress on the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Specifically, when the ankle is subjected to an inversion force, the lateral ligaments, particularly the anterior talofibular ligament, are put at risk of being stretched or torn. This is frequently seen in activities that involve jumping, running, or change of direction, making it a prevalent injury among athletes.

While other mechanisms, such as eversion, can lead to ankle injuries, they are much less common. Eversion injuries primarily affect the ligaments on the medial side of the ankle, which are generally stronger and less prone to injury compared to their lateral counterparts. Flexion and extension are movements that relate more to the knee rather than the ankle's typical sprain mechanisms, further supporting the rationale for inversion being the predominant cause of ankle sprains. Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective prevention strategies and rehabilitation approaches in athletic training and sports medicine.