Is My Ankle Sprained or Broken?
An injured ankle can leave you uncertain whether it's sprained or broken. It can be difficult to differentiate between a sprain and a break because a really bad sprain can look very similar to a broken ankle. Let’s discuss the difference between the two.
Ankle sprain vs. broken ankle
An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments (the connective tissue between bones) in your ankle are stretched, torn, and/or damaged. The ligament can be partially or completely torn when an injury occurs.
Whereas a broken ankle is a fracture in one or more of the bones. Fractures of the bone can be non-displaced cracks, which means the bone is still aligned, or they can be displaced cracks, resulting in a disruption in the bone's alignment. Typically, broken ankles result from injuries involving excessive force.
How can you tell the difference?
It is very difficult to distinguish between an ankle sprain and a broken ankle since both can feel and look very similar. If you're wondering, “Is my ankle sprained or broken?” here are some questions to ask yourself:
When you were injured, did you hear anything? Sprains usually occur silently or with a 'pop' sound in severe cases. With a fracture, you may hear a 'crack' as well as 'grinding' or 'crunching' sounds upon movement.
How does your ankle look? Is it crooked, warped, or irregular? Swelling is a common symptom of fractures and sprains. BUT if your ankle alignment is off, it is most likely a broken ankle.
Where is the pain located? In cases where your ankle hurts or is tender when you touch directly over its bone, it is most likely a break/fracture. With a sprain, however, it is more likely to have pain in the softer part of the ankle.
when should you seek medical attention for your ankle injury?
Ankle injuries can be a real pain, quite literally! But knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial in ensuring a timely and effective recovery. If you're experiencing severe pain, swelling, or bruising, it's always best to get checked out by a foot and ankle specialist. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry! Plus, getting an X-ray will tell us if the ankle is broken or not — then we can proceed with the right treatment and will be able to rehab it correctly.
Understanding the difference between a sprained and broken ankle is key to determining your next steps to recovery. Make sure you are aware of the common symptoms of an ankle injury to assess the severity of your pain and when it’s time to seek medical attention.
Here at Ortho San Antonio, our foot and ankle specialist, Dr. Sarfani, values each of her patient's needs and strives towards helping them feel relief from their foot or ankle injuries through accurate diagnoses & treatments. If you’re suffering from an ankle injury, don’t hesitate - schedule an appointment with her today!