It might not make much of a storyline on a TV medical drama, but ankle sprains are one of the most common reasons for an emergency room visit.

Whether it's a twisted ankle, a shin splint or a strained muscle, when should you see a doctor for a sports injury?

When you sprain an ankle, one or more ligaments on the outside of your ankle become stretched or torn.

If you've sprained your ankle, you know what pain is. But maybe that "sprain" was a "strain" or possibly even a "break." The amount of pain in each case can be virtually equal.

Sprains are stretched or torn ligaments, and occur most commonly at the ankle, knee, finger, or wrist. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and bruising.

R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Doing these things helps limit pain and swelling after an injury.

Knowing about common injuries and how to prevent them can keep you on track toward achieving your fitness goals.

A stress fracture occurs when you increase the length or intensity of your workout too quickly.

Common injuries include a twisted ankle, sprained wrist, overextended elbow and damaged knee ligaments. Fortunately, you can take steps to help prevent joint damage.

Snowboarders often break wrists and ankles because they go down hard when they crash.

Sports injury rates could be reduced by 25 percent if all athletes — professionals and amateurs — followed essential safety, conditioning, and preventive strategies.