An ankle injury can be painful and frustrating, but it’s important to know whether your ankle is sprained or broken in order to receive the proper treatment. Both injuries can have similar symptoms, so it can be difficult to tell them apart. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a sprained and broken ankle and how to tell which one you may have.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
A sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect bones in your ankle are stretched or torn. This can happen when your foot twists or turns suddenly, causing damage to these ligaments. Also, knowing how long does a sprained ankle stay swollen so that you can better care for it. Meanwhile, common symptoms of a sprained ankle include:
- Pain and tenderness around the affected area.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot.
- Stiffness or limited range of motion.
What is a Broken Ankle?
A break, also known as a fracture, occurs when one or more bones in your ankle are damaged. This can happen from a sudden impact, such as falling or twisting your ankle in an awkward position. Common symptoms of a broken ankle include:
- Severe pain that worsens with movement.
- Swelling and bruising around the affected area.
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot.
- Deformity or misalignment of the ankle joint.
How to Tell the Difference?
It can be difficult to tell whether your ankle is sprained or broken without seeking professional medical advice. However, there are some key differences between the two injuries that may help you determine which one you may have.
1. Pain Level
While both injuries can cause pain and discomfort, a broken ankle typically causes more severe pain than a sprained ankle. If you’re experiencing intense pain that doesn’t subside with rest and ice, it may be indicative of a break.
2. Swelling
Swelling is common in both sprains and breaks, but it tends to be more severe with a break. If you notice significant swelling around your ankle joint along with deformity or misalignment of the bone structure, it’s likely that you have a broken ankle.
3. Bruising
Bruising is another symptom that can occur with both injuries. However, if you notice extensive bruising around your entire foot along with swelling and severe pain, this could indicate a broken bone rather than just a sprain.
Seeking Professional Medical Help
If you suspect that you’ve injured your ankle either by breaking it or spraining it, then seeking professional medical help is recommended by doctors instead of trying any DIY methods at home. For instance, a doctor for a sprained ankle in Marietta can help you with the best treatment plan for your condition. They can also provide additional tips and advice on how to take care of your ankle injury.
To Sum Up
While both an ankle sprain and an ankle break can cause similar symptoms, such as pain and swelling, there are differences between them that could indicate what kind of injury has occurred. Seek professional medical advice immediately if any signs occur after an injury has been sustained for accurate diagnosis.
