Ankle injuries can affect all people or all ages and activity levels. Your ankle may be swollen and tender, it hurts a lot, and probably you can’t even put weight on it. How can you tell the differences between a sprained ankle vs a broken ankle?
Ankle Sprain
Ankle sprains are usually the result of falling, tripping, or an awkward landing after a jump, or twisting or rolling the ankle. The injury can stretch or tear the tough bands of tissue or ligaments that help hold your ankle bones together. Depending on how much damage there is to the ligaments, an ankle sprain can range from mild to severe.
Ankle Fracture
A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. Ankle fractures can range from less serious avulsion injuries to severe shattering types breaks. They are usually caused by rotational injury such as when the ankle becomes turned, twisted, or rolled while walking or running. Ankle fractures can also be a result of high-force impact such as from a fall or vehicle collision. If a broken ankle is not immediately and properly treated, it can result to significant long-term problems and debility. Breaks that occur suddenly such as from accidents or injuries are known as traumatic ankle fracture. However, ankle breaks can also be due to repetitive stress or impact over time, known as stress fractures.
Most people mistake an ankle fracture for an ankle sprain but they are very much different. The symptoms can be very similar – pain, bruising, swelling, inability to bear weight. Sometimes, they may even occur simultaneously.
It is most likely a sprained ankle if you can put weight on your ankle and you have mild to moderate pain. You can follow the RICE method which includes REST, ICE, COMPRESS, and ELEVATE. If the pain does not decrease or gets worse, see your doctor.
It is most likely an ankle fracture if you can’t put any weight on the injured ankle, the pain gets worse over time, you experience severe pain, you heard a popping sound at the time of injury, you have trouble moving the injured ankle, or you notice that your ankle looks deformed or not aligned properly with your leg.
It is not always easy to distinguish an ankle sprain from an ankle fracture. It you have pain, bruising, or you cannot put your foot down or walk on it, you should get evaluated by your physician.
For more information, you may contact Dr. Kevin Lam’s office at (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or visit NaplesPodiatrist.com
Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!
