How Do You Tell If an Ankle is Broken or Sprained?

In the topic of ankle injuries, determining a sprained ankle vs. a broken one is crucial for administering the right kind of care. Both injuries share symptoms, like pain and swelling, but they affect different structures of the ankle; therefore, they require distinct treatment approaches. This article will go deep into the discussion of sprained ankle vs. broken ankle.

Keep reading to learn the difference between a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle, their treatments, and recovery times.

What Does a Sprained Ankle Look Like?

A sprained ankle results from the overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that support it. It often appears swollen and bruised. You might notice difficulty moving the ankle, and the area can be tender to the touch.

What Does a Broken Ankle Look Like?

A broken ankle involves a fracture in one of the bones that make up the ankle joint. It could be the tibia, fibula, or talus. You might notice immediate and severe pain, swelling, bruising, and sometimes an obvious deformity where the bone has shifted.

Sprained Ankle vs. Broken Ankle Symptoms

As mentioned, both injuries will present with pain and swelling. However, there are some different symptoms of a broken ankle vs. a sprained ankle. For instance:

Sprained Ankle Symptoms

• Pain, especially when bearing weight
• Swelling and bruising
• Limited joint movement
• Tenderness around the affected area
• Possible instability in the ankle
• In mild cases, ligaments may be slightly stretched
• In severe cases, ligaments may be fully torn

Broken Ankle Symptoms

• Immediate and severe pain
• Inability to bear weight on the foot
• Visible deformity or misalignment
• Swelling and bruising
• Sometimes, cracking or snapping sound at the time of injury.
• In the case of stress fractures, symptoms might be subtle, complicating the distinction from a severe sprain without the aid of medical scans.

How to Tell Sprained vs. Broken Ankle?

Let’s answer the million dollar question: How to know if an ankle is broken vs. sprained? Determining the difference between a broken ankle and vs. sprained ankle can be difficult without a professional assessment. Here at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, we perform the following:

1. If you’re unable to bear weight on your foot, or if there’s an obvious deformity, come to one of our 5 centers.
2. Our specialists will conduct a detailed physical examination to assess the extent of your injury.
3. Broken vs. sprained ankle pictures tell the tale. Therefore, we use X-rays to rule out fractures or MRIs to evaluate soft tissue damage, ensuring an accurate diagnosis.
4. Based on what we find, we will determine whether you have a sprained or broken ankle.
5. Following the diagnosis, we will develop a tailored treatment plan for your specific needs and promote optimal recovery.
6. We offer follow-up care to monitor your healing process and adjust treatment as necessary.

Sprained Ankle vs. Broken Ankle: Treatment

Treatment for these injuries varies significantly. Let’s look at Arizona’s healing a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle separately:

Sprained Ankle Treatment

1. Refrain from putting weight on the injured ankle to prevent further damage. Use crutches if necessary.
2. During the first few days, apply ice packs to the ankle for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours.
3. Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage or wear a compression wrap to minimize swelling and provide support.
4. Keep the ankle raised above the level of your heart as much as possible. This position helps reduce swelling and pain.
5. For moderate to severe sprains, physical therapy may be recommended.
6. You can use painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Broken Ankle Treatment

1. A cast or boot is often necessary to keep the ankle in a fixed position, allowing the bones to heal correctly.
2. In cases of severe fractures where the bones are misaligned, surgery (the placement of pins, screws, or plates) may be required to realign the bones properly.
3. You may have to use pain medications to manage pain after surgery or for severe fractures.
4. After your bone is healed, doctors remove the immobilization device. You might need physical therapy to strengthen the ankle, restore full range of motion, and reduce the risk of future injuries.
5. Then, you need to perform weight-bearing activities. A healthcare professional must advise these exercises.
6. Don’t forget regular follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.

Is an Ankle Sprain or Break More Painful?

Pain levels of a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle can vary widely between patients and injuries. Broken ankles generally produce more consistent and severe pain than sprains.

For an Ankle Sprain:

• The pain may start as mild and become more severe over time, depending on the severity of the ligament damage.
• The pain often feels like a sharp pain during movement.
• Pain typically decreases with proper rest and treatment.

For a Broken Ankle:

• A break usually causes immediate, intense pain right at the moment of injury.
• This pain is often sharp and constant, significantly increasing.
• Pain remains until the fracture is adequately immobilized and gradually lessens as the bone heals.

Broken Ankle vs. Sprain: Recovery Time

The recovery depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s healing process. However, as a general rule of thumb, recovery time from a sprain can range from a few weeks for minor sprains to several months for severe ones. Broken ankle recovery time usually requires six to eight weeks for the bones to heal, potentially followed by rehabilitation to restore strength and flexibility.

Ankle Sprains Treatments Near Me in Arizona

If you suspect you have an ankle sprain or a broken one, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Visit Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, Northern Ave, and Phoenix, Arizona, for comprehensive care and treatment. Our specialists are dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans that ensure the best recovery for your sprained ankle. Reach out today and take your first step towards recovery.

Conclusion

It is challenging to determine the difference between a sprained and broken ankle, but understanding the signs and symptoms of a sprained vs. broken ankle can help you seek the appropriate care. Always be cautious and consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

FAQs

Do sprains swell more than breaks?

Swelling can occur in both sprains and breaks, but it is not a reliable indicator of the injury’s severity alone.

How do you rule out a broken ankle?

A broken ankle can only be ruled out through medical imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.

Can you move your ankle if it’s broken?

It might be possible to move it, but doing so would likely cause significant pain. Movement doesn’t rule out a break.

Can a sprain turn into a break?

A sprain itself cannot turn into a break, but if a sprained ankle is not properly treated, the weakened joint may be more susceptible to fractures in the future.

Can a bad sprain feel like a break?

Yes, a severe sprain can mimic the pain and swelling of a break, making professional diagnosis crucial.