What are sprained ankles?

A sprained ankle is when your ankle gets hurt because it twists too much and stretches or tears its ligaments, which are like stretchy bands that hold your bones together.

Imagine you're playing tag, and you try to run too fast, poof! Your foot slips on the ground, and suddenly your ankle feels like it's being pulled in a funny way. That’s what happens during a sprained ankle.

Your ligaments are like elastic bands around your ankle. If they get stretched or torn, it’s like when you stretch a rubber band too far, it might snap back or feel sore and tight. Your ankle might feel swollen, like when you drop your juice box on the floor and it squishes out all over.

You might not be able to walk normally for a little while, just like how you can’t run fast if your shoelace is untied. But with rest and some ice, your ankle will get better, just like a bandage helps a scraped knee heal.