Foot Conditions A-Z
Sprains
A sprain is a torn or stretched ligament. Ligaments connect the bones that make up joints. Sprains are caused by falling, twisting and hard blows. An ankle sprain often occurs in sports and activities that involve running and jumping--an awkward landing, in which weight comes down on one side of the foot (inside or outside), can lead to a sprain. Ankle sprain, in particular, is a common injury; according to the 2012 National Foot Health Assessment conducted by the NPD Group for the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, 31 percent of adults in the U.S. (about 69 million people) have suffered an ankle sprain at some point in their lives.