Ankle injuries are not only painful but can also make daily activities challenging. Understanding the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. Both injuries may seem similar initially, but there can be key differences between the two, and sometimes, they can occur at the same time together. Here, we compare sprained ankles vs. broken ankles to help you understand which injury you might be facing and when to see a foot and ankle specialist.
How To Tell the Difference Between a Sprained Ankle and a Broken Ankle
Q: What Are the Symptoms of a Sprained vs. Broken Ankle?
A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments—tough bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint—are stretched or torn. Typical symptoms of a sprained ankle include:
- Pain, especially when weight is placed on the affected foot.
- Swelling and tenderness around the joint.
- Bruising in the injured area.
- Limited range of motion.
In contrast, a broken ankle, also known as an ankle fracture, involves a break in one or more of the bones in the ankle joint, such as the tibia, fibula, or talus. Symptoms of a broken ankle may mimic an ankle sprain but may be more intense and include:
- Immediate, sharp pain localized around the fracture.
- Significant swelling that extends beyond the ankle.
- Visible deformity, especially if bones are displaced.
- Inability to bear any weight on the ankle.
These differences in symptoms can help identify whether the injury is a broken vs. sprained ankle, though only a specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis.
Q: What Causes Sprained vs. Broken Ankles?
Similar events can cause sprained and broken ankles:
- Sprained Ankles: Often due to twisting the foot, tripping, or landing awkwardly during sports or other physical activities.
- Broken Ankles: Frequently due to a sudden impact, fall, or accident that exerts a strong force on the bones, causing them to break, also known as fracture.
Q: How Are Sprained and Broken Ankles Diagnosed?
Diagnosing whether an ankle injury is a sprain vs. broken ankle requires more than a physical examination. Diagnostic imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are essential to determine if a fracture is present or if only the ligaments are affected. It is common for sprains and fractures to occur together, significantly changing the treatment plan and outcome.
- Sprains: MRIs can reveal ligament damage that may not be visible on X-rays for sprained ankles.
- Fractures: X-rays typically detect fractures, while CT scans or MRIs can help assess more complex or subtle breaks.
When To See an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist
While minor ankle sprains may heal with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), severe sprains and fractures require medical attention. Contact an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist if:
- Pain is significant or persists despite rest and home care.
- There is moderate swelling, bruising, or a visible deformity.
- You cannot bear weight on the injured ankle.
- Mobility remains limited after several days.
Dr. Nicholas A.Viens, a board-certified orthopedic foot and ankle specialist at EmergeOrtho, emphasizes, “Prompt evaluation by an orthopedic specialist can prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery, whether it’s a sprain or a fracture. Ankle sprains can be equally serious or sometimes ‘worse’ injuries when compared to fractures, so don’t hesitate to seek specialist attention after an injury.”
Common Treatments and Recovery Timelines for Each Condition
Q: How Are Sprained Ankles Treated?
Sprained ankles can often be managed with a few essential treatments:
- RICE: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are recommended for minor sprains to reduce swelling and pain.
- Bracing or Splinting: This helps stabilize the joint, especially if the sprain is moderate to severe.
- Physical Therapy: Aids in restoring flexibility and strength to the ankle.
- Recovery Time: Minor sprains can heal in a few weeks, while severe sprains may require a few months to recover.
Q: How Are Broken Ankles Treated?
Broken ankles generally require more intensive treatments due to bone damage:
- Casting, Splinting, or Bracing: Immobilizes the bones while they heal.
- Surgery: Required if the bone fragments are misaligned or if there is an “open fracture” when bones have exited the skin
- Physical Therapy: Helps restore mobility and strength once the bone has healed.
- Recovery Time: Fractures may take longer to heal than sprains, with recovery times ranging from a couple of months to a year.
Recovery Tips and Preventative Measures
- Follow Physical Therapy: Completing physical therapy exercises helps reduce stiffness and promotes better long-term function.
- Wear Supportive Footwear: Shoes with good support help prevent both sprained and broken ankles.
- Ease Back into Activity: Give yourself enough time to heal before resuming physical activities.
If you are unsure whether you are dealing with a sprained vs. broken ankle, Request an appointment today and Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better with the help of EmergeOrtho-Triangle Region. Accurate diagnosis and treatment are crucial to minimize pain and ensure a full recovery.
