If you are reading this, chances are you injured your ankle and can’t put any weight on it. If your ankle hurts, is too tender to touch, bruised, and swollen, chances are it could be a sprain or it might be broken.
The symptoms are so similar, in fact, that it may be impossible to determine on your own without a x-ray. When in doubt, be sure to check with your foot and ankle doctor.
What is an ankle sprain?
An ankle sprain is when you damage the ligaments in your ankle.
The tough, flexible bands that hold your bones in place are called ligaments. These fiberous tissues help keep your joints stable. They are meant to move around and stretch, but only to a certain point. When you sprian your ankle, you have either torn or stretched a ligament beyond its limits.
What is an ankle fracture?
An ankle fracture is when at least one of three bones in your ankle is broken.
If one bone is broken, it may be hard to tell how bad the injury is without a doctor’s intervention. If multiple bones are broken, you will lose stability in your ankle and it may prevent you from walking entirely.
Ankle fractures can lead to ligament damage if they are not addressed appropraitely.
How can I tell if I have an ankle sprain or an ankle fracture?
While we definitely reccomend waiting to hear from your doctor before reaching a diagnosis, these questions may help you figure out what type of injury you are experiencing.
- What noise did you hear?
- Ankle sprains may be silent. In severe cases, there may be a popping sound. If you heard a cracking sound, chances are it was a break.
- Is the area around your ankle misshapen?
- Swelling occurs in most ankle injuries, but if your ankle looks clearly deformed or odd,it is most likely because your ankle is broken.
- Is your ankle numb?
- An ankle sprain is very painful, but if you are experiencing numbness, your ankle is likely broken.
- Where is the pain located?
- If your ankle pain is located directly over your ankle bone, you likely have a fracture. If the feel pain inside the swelled area of your ankle, it is more than likely a sprain.
Again, it is important that you see your doctor regardless of whether it is an ankle sprain or fracture. He can take a look at your ankle and determine the best course of action.