Twisting your ankle is surprisingly easy to do, and it’s also surprisingly common. In fact, around a million people end up in the emergency room every year because of some kind of ankle injury. If you’re dealing with an injured ankle right now, you might be wondering whether you’re just dealing with a sprain or if you’ve actually broken something.
Knowing how to tell if your ankle is broken or sprained is key to making sure you get the right treatment and start your recovery as quickly as possible. While this article can help you assess your injury, keep in mind that your doctor is the best person to give you a diagnosis.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between a sprain and a break so you can make the right call about your ankle.
What’s the difference between a sprain and a fracture?
Both sprains and fractures can be painful, but they involve different parts of your anatomy.
Ankle sprains: Injuries to the ligaments
An ankle sprain is what happens when you twist, roll, or turn your ankle in such a way that the ligaments are stretched or torn. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones to each other across a joint.
Sprains are often caused by what are known as inversion injuries, in which the ankle rolls inward.
Sprains are categorized by severity:
- Grade 1: mild stretching of the ligaments
- Grade 2: partial tearing of the ligaments
- Grade 3: complete tear of the ligaments
Broken ankles: Injuries to the bones
A broken ankle, also known as an ankle fracture, occurs when one or more of the bones in the ankle joint is fractured. This can happen as a result of falls or direct impacts.
Broken ankles are often the result of falls, direct impacts, or rotational injuries.
Depending on the severity, broken ankles may require immobilization with a cast, splint, or boot. In some cases, surgery is needed to realign or stabilize the fractured bones.
Key Symptoms: Spotting the Differences
So, how can you tell whether you’ve sprained or broken your ankle? Consider these key symptoms.
Pain Characteristics
Think about the pain you’re feeling.
- Location of pain. If the pain seems to be centered over the ligaments, you may have a sprain. Pain that seems to be centered over the bones may point to a fracture.
- Intensity of pain. With either injury, you’re likely to be in pain. However, fractures often involve more intense, sharp pain, especially when you move the ankle or put weight on it.
Sounds and Sensations
Consider what you heard or felt at the time of the injury.
- Sound at the time of injury. Did you hear a popping sound? This can indicate a ligament tear (sprain) or a bone fracture.
- Tingling and numbness. Numbness or tingling can be a sign of nerve damage, which is more common with fractures or severe sprains.
Visual Clues: Swelling and Discoloration
Take a look at your ankle and foot.
- Swelling. Swelling is common with both sprains and fractures. However, with a fracture, the swelling may come on more quickly and be more extensive.
- Bruising and discoloration. Discoloration can also occur with both injuries, but the extent and location may be different.
Weight-Bearing Ability
Try to stand and put weight on the injured ankle.
- Ability to walk. If you’re having significant difficulty bearing weight, that may point to a fracture. However, it’s worth noting that some people are able to walk even with a broken ankle.
Diagnosing the Injury: Home Assessment and When to Seek Medical Help
If you’ve just twisted your ankle, you’re probably wondering whether it’s a sprain or a break. Here are some questions to ask yourself, along with when to seek medical attention.
Self-Assessment Questions
Ask yourself these questions:
- Where does it hurt?
- How bad does it hurt, on a scale of 1 to 10?
- Did you hear a pop or snap when you injured it?
- Is your ankle swollen or bruised?
- Does your ankle feel numb or tingly?
- Can you put any weight on it? Can you walk?
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor right away if:
- The pain is severe, or you can’t put any weight on your injured ankle.
- Your symptoms get worse, even if you’re icing it, resting it, and elevating it.
- Your ankle looks deformed.
- The pain and swelling don’t start to get better after a couple of days.
Treatment Options: From Home Care to Medical Intervention
Whether you’ve sprained or fractured your ankle, getting the right treatment is essential for healing and a return to full function. Treatment can range from simple home care to medical intervention.
Treating Ankle Sprains
For ankle sprains, the initial treatment often involves the RICE method:
- Rest: Stay off the injured ankle as much as possible.
- Ice: Apply ice for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage to provide support and minimize swelling.
- Elevation: Keep your ankle elevated above your heart to further reduce swelling.
You can also get pain relief with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
For moderate to severe sprains, physical therapy may be necessary to help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Treating Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures generally require more intensive medical treatment, which may include:
- Immobilization: Using a cast, splint, or walking boot to keep the ankle stable and allow the bone to heal.
- Reduction: If the fractured bone is out of alignment, your doctor may need to realign it, sometimes requiring surgery.
- Surgery: To fix fractured bones and ensure they heal properly.
Once the ankle has healed, physical therapy is often needed to regain strength and mobility after immobilization.
Putting It All Together
Knowing whether you’re dealing with an ankle sprain or a fracture is important because each injury requires a different kind of treatment. Being able to recognize the differences in symptoms can help you decide how to care for your ankle at home and whether it’s time to see a doctor.
When in doubt, start with a self-assessment. If you suspect a sprain, follow the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. For any injury, seek medical advice when necessary.
If you do see a doctor, be sure to follow their instructions carefully. Completing any prescribed physical therapy is also essential for proper healing and to fully regain the function of your ankle.
Finally, remember that prevention is always better than cure. You can help minimize your risk of ankle injuries by wearing proper footwear, warming up before exercise, and making sure your fitness routine is balanced.