Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries that occur on a daily basis especially among young athletes.
So the question arises when should the ankle be x-rayed and when is it okay just to treat it as a simple sprain? Thankfully ,the majority of these types of injuries just involve the muscles and ligaments and can be properly treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation and various forms of therapy that include electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, hands on massage therapy techniques, jade microcurrent and therapeutic exercise.
Now of course if you're injury is severe then you most definitely have to go to the emergency room immediately.
 Especially, if you cannot take more than four steps on the  injured foot or on your own; and totally support your own body weight without any help.
If you are experiencing any of the following three symptoms then you definitely need to have x-rays taken:

1. x-rays are necessary if there is pain near the malleoli, on it directly or around the edges of the malleoli.
   
2. They are also necessary if you are not able to bear weight for a minimum of four steps immediately after the injury or any time thereafter.
   
3. If there is pain in the mid foot and you also have pain at the bottom of the fifth toe.
   

Please remember that the above three recommendations do not take the place of seeing a licensed medical professional.
You most definitely should always consult your family chiropractor, medical doctor or physical therapist is you have injured your ankle.
If you have learned anything from this article I hope that you will now realize that if you have injured your ankle and cannot walk more than four steps on your own then you must immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room for evaluation and treatment.