The capacity to bear weight despite the discomfort and the reported "pop" sound made during soccer suggests possible ligamentous damage, supporting the diagnosis of an ankle sprain (Mauntel et al 2017). Activities that entail abrupt changes in direction or force applied to the ankle joint, like those involved in sports like soccer, are known to cause ankle sprains. A mild to severe sprain, in which the ligaments are strained but not ruptured, is characterized by pain and the inability to bear weight. Additional evidence to support the diagnosis of an ankle sprain may be found through investigation and further analysis of the symptoms. Evaluating the degree of bruising, swelling, and pain in particular regions can give important information regarding how severe the sprain is. Furthermore, assessing a range of motion and carrying out procedures, like the anterior drawer test, can support the diagnosis and direct the necessary course of treatment (Mauntel et al 2017).
On the other hand, osteoarthritis is a diagnosis that can be disputed with the case study. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that usually progresses gradually and is more frequently linked to persistent pain than to sudden trauma (Jang et al., 2021). Osteoarthritis (OA) causes a joint's cartilage to degrade and the underlying bone to alter. Usually, these alterations come on gradually and worsen with time. OA may result in discomfort, swelling, and stiffness. Some people experience impaired function and incapacity as a result; they are unable to do daily duties or jobs. Although osteoarthritis can induce pain and discomfort in the ankle joint, it is not likely to be the leading cause of abrupt pain and discomfort after an activity, such as playing soccer (Jang et al., 2021). Osteoarthritis is unlikely in this situation because the patient's stated injury is more consistent with acute trauma.
References
Mauntel TC, Wikstrom EA, Roos KG, Djoko A, Dompier TP, Kerr ZY. The Epidemiology of High Ankle Sprains in National Collegiate Athletic Association Sports. Am J Sports Med. 2017 Jul;45(9):2156-2163.
Jang S, Lee K, Ju JH. Recent Updates of Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment on Osteoarthritis of the Knee. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22(5):2619. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052619