According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 25,000 people each day suffer a sprained ankle that occurs when ligaments---elastic structures in the body---stretch beyond their normal range. A broken ankle, also known as an ankle fracture, is a more serious injury that develops when bones separate. Recognizing the difference between the two injuries and seeking appropriate care is essential to your well-being.
Step 1
Consider the cause of the injury. If you twisted your foot and heard an audible popping sound or stepped on an uneven surface and lost your balance, you likely have a sprain. Broken ankles are common after hard trips or falls. Heavy impact, such as an automobile accident, can also cause an ankle break.
Step 2
Examine your ankle for swelling. If you can see swelling and the ankle feels tender but still allows stretching, you may have a sprain and damage to some fibers of your ligaments, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Step 3
Measure the pain. The aftermath of a broken ankle includes bruising, swelling and tenderness. These signs are most often accompanied by immediate, severe pain that may be a sign of a tiny crack in the bones or a shattering break that penetrates the skin, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Walk a few steps. If you are unable to put any weight on the foot, your ankle may be broken. The ability to walk, even with tenderness, indicates a less-serious sprain.
Step 5
Seek professional advice. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends an X-ray as the definitive method to evaluate an ankle injury. The X-ray allows your doctor to examine the leg, ankle and foot to determine if any other injuries have occurred. Your doctor can also perform a stress test to determine the likelihood of surgery and may need to move your ankle to see which ligaments have been injured.
Tips and Warnings
- Reduce your risk for an ankle injury by warming up before exercise and wearing good shoes. Slow down when you feel fatigued or notice pain. Your doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging scan, or MRI, after the pain subsides in order to confirm his diagnosis and determine the extent of a severe injury. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be used to minimize pain. Swelling and pain from a sprain may last up to three days and crutches may be helpful. The complete healing process takes four to six weeks. Broken bones take at least six weeks to heal, although ligaments and tendons may need more time. The Mayo Clinic reports that a severe injury may require surgery to implant rods or screws into the broken bone.
- Go to the emergency room immediately if you examine your ankle and can see the bone. Chronic pain may develop if an ankle sprain is not treated in a timely manner. Signs of a chronic ankle sprain include pain that lasts longer than six weeks. Walking on uneven surfaces or participating in sports such as football, basketball, tennis and soccer can worsen a sprained ankle.
Things You'll Need
- Orthopaedic surgeon
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Your Orthopaedic Connection: Sprained Ankle
- National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus: Ankle Injuries and Disorders
- The Mayo Clinic: Broken Ankle/Broken Foot
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Your Orthopaedic Connection: Ankle Fractures
- Family Doctor.org: Ankle Problems
- The Mayo Clinic: Ankle Pain
