Week 3 Aquafier assignment – Acute Right Ankle Pain
United States University
FNP593: Primary Health of Acute Clients/Families Across the Lifespan
July 17, 2025
, A 19-year-old patient who had an inversion injury during a soccer game presents with
severe right ankle discomfort. The patient can no longer walk unassisted in the clinic, despite
their early ability to support their own weight. Upon physical examination, the lateral malleolus
exhibits modest edema and localized pain, but the medial malleolus and midfoot structures show
little discomfort. These results strongly point to a non-fractured lateral ankle ligament damage.
Primary Diagnosis and Rationale
The probable diagnosis is an acute lateral ankle sprain, particularly implicating the
anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), which is the ligament most frequently injured in inversion
trauma. Lateral ankle sprains are common among athletes, especially in sports that require
cutting and jumping, such as soccer (Costa et al., 2022). The patient's injury mechanism,
physical examination results, and transient weight-bearing capacity correspond with a Grade I or
II lateral ankle sprain. The absence of midfoot and medial discomfort reduces the probability of
severe damage or fracture.
Differential Diagnoses
1. Lateral Malleolar Fracture: Such fractures may resemble ankle sprains; however, they
typically appear with sustained bone discomfort and an inability to bear weight at the
time of injury. Despite the patient's current ambulation difficulties, the initial weight-
bearing capability and absence of significant deformity diminish the probability of
fracture. Nonetheless, imaging may still be necessary according to the Ottawa Ankle
Rules (American Physical Therapy Association [APTA], 2021).
2. Syndesmotic (High Ankle) Sprain: These injuries affect the distal tibiofibular
syndesmosis and typically manifest as discomfort superior to the ankle joint, exacerbated
United States University
FNP593: Primary Health of Acute Clients/Families Across the Lifespan
July 17, 2025
, A 19-year-old patient who had an inversion injury during a soccer game presents with
severe right ankle discomfort. The patient can no longer walk unassisted in the clinic, despite
their early ability to support their own weight. Upon physical examination, the lateral malleolus
exhibits modest edema and localized pain, but the medial malleolus and midfoot structures show
little discomfort. These results strongly point to a non-fractured lateral ankle ligament damage.
Primary Diagnosis and Rationale
The probable diagnosis is an acute lateral ankle sprain, particularly implicating the
anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), which is the ligament most frequently injured in inversion
trauma. Lateral ankle sprains are common among athletes, especially in sports that require
cutting and jumping, such as soccer (Costa et al., 2022). The patient's injury mechanism,
physical examination results, and transient weight-bearing capacity correspond with a Grade I or
II lateral ankle sprain. The absence of midfoot and medial discomfort reduces the probability of
severe damage or fracture.
Differential Diagnoses
1. Lateral Malleolar Fracture: Such fractures may resemble ankle sprains; however, they
typically appear with sustained bone discomfort and an inability to bear weight at the
time of injury. Despite the patient's current ambulation difficulties, the initial weight-
bearing capability and absence of significant deformity diminish the probability of
fracture. Nonetheless, imaging may still be necessary according to the Ottawa Ankle
Rules (American Physical Therapy Association [APTA], 2021).
2. Syndesmotic (High Ankle) Sprain: These injuries affect the distal tibiofibular
syndesmosis and typically manifest as discomfort superior to the ankle joint, exacerbated
