What is the primary indication of an ankle sprain grade I?

The primary indication of an ankle sprain grade I is a partial tear of a ligament with mild tenderness. Grade I ankle sprains are characterized by minimal damage, where fibers of the ligament are stretched but not completely torn. Patients typically experience mild pain and swelling, and there is generally some tenderness upon palpation of the affected area.

In this context, the indication of a partial ligament tear reflects the nature of the injury's severity, where the physical structure of the ligament remains mostly intact. This helps delineate the condition from more severe grades of ankle sprains, which involve greater pain, swelling, and instability, as well as complete tears of the ligaments. Understanding the gradation of sprains is crucial in guiding appropriate treatment and recovery plans for patients.