Which symptom is typically worse in the evening for an individual with an ankle sprain?

• A. Increased swelling
• B. Sensitivity to touch
• C. Pain in standing
• D. Cramping during rest

Answer: (C)

In the case of an ankle sprain, pain when standing tends to be worse in the evening due to several factors. Throughout the day, the injured ankle is subjected to various activities, which may lead to increased fatigue and cumulative stress on the affected ligaments and surrounding tissues. As the day progresses and activity levels remain high, inflammation may build up, leading to a heightened perception of pain when weight is applied to the injured area, such as during standing.

Evening pain can also be attributed to a decrease in activity at rest, allowing for more focus on discomfort that may have been masked by the busyness of the day. Additionally, the body's natural circadian rhythm may influence pain perception, with many individuals experiencing increased sensitivity to pain as they wind down for the evening. This means that any existing pain from the ankle sprain can become more pronounced in the evening as they shift from mobility to rest.

In contrast, while symptoms like increased swelling, sensitivity to touch, and cramping may be present with an ankle sprain, they do not typically exhibit the same pattern of worsening specifically in the evening as pain associated with standing does. Increased swelling may occur but is not exclusively worse in the evening; it can fluctuate throughout the day based on activity. Sens