Twisted vs. Sprained vs. Rolled Ankle: What are the Differences?

Ankle injuries are common and can be confusing. To be able to treat your ankle effectively, you first need to understand the differences between a twisted, sprained, or rolled ankle. Knowing how to differentiate them can help you manage the injury better. So, keep reading our article to learn how to differentiate between twisted vs. sprained vs. rolled ankle.

Twisted Ankle vs. Sprained Ankle

Let’s look at the differences between twisted vs. sprained ankles:

Twisted Ankle

This injury occurs when your ankle moves in an unnatural way. The symptoms of this minor injury include minor pain, slight swelling, and discomfort when moving the ankle. It can occur when you walk or step on an uneven surface or an awkward twist of the foot. A twisted ankle is generally less severe, with pain levels typically ranging from 2 to 4 out of 10.

Treatment typically includes the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). You need to rest your ankle, apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours, compress with an elastic bandage, and lift up your ankle above heart level to reduce swelling. In addition, over-the-counter painkillers can help manage your discomfort.

Sprained Ankle

Ankle sprains in Arizona involve the overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that support your ankle. It is typically the result of a sudden twist or turn which causes more pronounced pain and swelling compared to a twisted ankle.

Symptoms are more severe, including significant pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Symptoms also include a popping sensation at the time of injury and tenderness when touching the ankle​​. The severity of a sprained ankle can range from mild to severe, with pain levels ranging from 5 to 10 out of 10. Severe cases may require medical attention and longer recovery times​​.

Treatments depend on the severity of your case:

• For mild sprains, you may need RICE and over-the-counter painkillers.
• For moderate to severe sprains, you might need to use a brace or cast and possibly crutches to avoid putting your weight on your ankle.
• You often need physical therapy to restore your strength and flexibility.
• In rare cases, you might need to do surgery to repair your torn ligaments​.

How to Know if You Have a Twisted Ankle vs. Sprained Ankle?

You have a twisted ankle if:

• The pain around your ankle pain ranges from mild to moderate.
• You have slight swelling.
• You have discomfort when moving the ankle, but your mobility is generally retained.
• You have little to no difficulty walking.
• Your pain often improves with rest and basic home care.

You have an ankle sprain if:

• Your pain is significant and persistent.
• Your swelling is immediate and noticeable.
• Visible bruising appears quickly after your injury.
• You have difficulty or inability to move your ankle without severe pain.
• You have difficulty or inability to bear your weight on the affected foot.

Which is Worse: Twisted or Sprained Ankle?

A sprained ankle is generally worse than a twisted ankle. The reason is that sprains involve ligament damage, significant pain, swelling, and long-term instability if not properly treated. On the other hand, twisted ankles usually cause minor pain, slight swelling, and heal quickly with basic care.

Rolled Ankle vs. Sprained Ankle

Now, let’s look at the differences between a sprained ankle vs. rolled. We already told you about the sprained ankles in the sections above, so in this section, we will only focus on rolled ankles:

A rolled ankle occurs when your foot turns inward or outward sharply, often resulting in overstretching or tearing ligaments and tendons around the ankle. This sudden motion can cause immediate pain and instability. Unlike a twisted ankle, a rolled ankle typically results in more severe injury. A sprained ankle, often the result of a rolled ankle which involves actual damage to the ligaments.

Symptoms of a rolled ankle include:

• Immediate pain right after the incident which typically ranges from 3 to 6 on a scale of 1-10.
• Mild to moderate swelling soon after the injury
• The ankle feeling weak or unstable
• Difficulty to bear weight

A rolled ankle treatment includes:

• The RICE Method to manage swelling and pain in the initial stages.
• Wearing an ankle brace or using crutches to avoid putting weight on the injured ankle.
• Pain meds like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage discomfort.
• Gentle exercises to help restore mobility and strength to the ankle when the initial pain and swelling decrease.

How Do You Tell If Your Ankle is Sprained or Just Rolled?

You have a rolled ankle if:

• Your pain is generally mild and improves with rest.
• You have little to no swelling around the ankle.
• You feel slight discomfort but the ability to move the ankle without severe pain.

You have a sprained ankle if you have significant pain, noticeable and rapid swelling, visible bruising quickly after the injury, severe pain, and difficulty or inability to bear your weight on your affected foot.

Twisted vs. Sprained vs. Rolled Ankle: Recovery Time

Proper care and following treatment protocols are essential for a full recovery. But let’s see how long a full recovery can take:

Twisted Ankle Recovery Time

Typically, a twisted ankle heals within a few days to 1 week. Mild discomfort and slight swelling generally improve with rest and basic home care such as the RICE method.

Sprained Ankle Recovery Time

• For a Grade 1 (Mild), the recovery can take approximately 1 to 2 weeks. This involves minor stretching of the ligaments with mild swelling and tenderness.
• For a Grade 2 (Moderate), the recovery time ranges from 3 to 6 weeks. This involves partial tearing of the ligaments with moderate pain, swelling, and bruising.
• For a grade 3 (Severe), the recovery can take up to 3 months or longer. This involves a complete tear of the ligament, resulting in significant swelling, bruising, and instability. You may need physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery​.

Rolled Ankle Recovery Time

• For a mild roll, the recovery can take a few days to 2 weeks, depending on the extent of the overstretching of the tendons and ligaments.
• For a moderate to severe roll, the recovery can take from 4 to 6 weeks or more. This period includes healing from overstretched ligaments or minor tears and regaining strength and stability through exercises and physical therapy.

Does a Twisted Ankle Cause Swelling?

Yes, a twisted ankle can cause swelling, but it is usually less pronounced than the swelling associated with a sprained ankle. The swelling is generally mild, and you can manage it effectively with rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Twisted and Sprained and Rolled Ankle Treatments in Arizona

If you’re dealing with a twisted, sprained, or rolled ankle and need expert care, Foot & Ankle Specialty Centers is here to help. With five branches in Gilbert, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa & Phoenix, AZ, our specialized team offers personalized treatment plans to get you back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible. Just schedule an appointment with our experienced foot experts and step toward better foot health!

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between twisted vs. sprained vs. rolled ankle is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. While a twisted ankle is typically minor, a sprained ankle can be more severe, often requiring professional care. If you experience persistent pain or swelling, you need to seek medical advice to prevent further complications.

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