Ankle problems masquerading as sprains

The most common ankle injury is a ligamentous sprain, usually involving the lateral side. This is usually treated very successfully with conservative management. Those patients who have continued complaints despite such management should be suspected of having something more than a simple sprain. The diagnostic entities discussed herein should always be part of the differential diagnosis of a sprained ankle, so that when one of these injuries is initially missed, the examining physician will be able to re-examine and eventually diagnose and treat these injuries properly. They should be managed appropriately as soon as possible for the best outcome. Needless delays should be avoided.