sprain. A broken ankle also called an ankle fracture is when one or more of the bones around your ankle joint breaks. If youre looking to speed up your healing time, it turns out timing and movement earlier, Heres what you need to know about telling an ankle break apart from a sprain, as well as what to do after you're injured, treatment options, and a, If you have a sprained ankle, there are exercises that you can start almost right away. A severely broken ankle may require surgery to implant plates, rods or screws into the broken bone to maintain proper position during healing. Dr. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Every single second counts when it comes to an ankle injury!!! A high ankle sprain versus low ankle sprain canexplain why youre bruised in upper or lower regions of the foot. Take later. And your doctor may advise you to try the RICE method to ease your inflammation: You may need physical therapy for a moderate sprain. The severity of the injury can often be determined by the amount of swelling and pain after the injury. You may also be unable to take four or less steps without assistance or without significant pain. Most of the time, the doctor will be able to position it correctly without surgery. It can happen anywhere theres waterthe kitchen, the bathroom, even outside on a wet sidewalk. If youre participating in any type of sport, be sure to wear proper footwear and pay attention to your surroundings so you dont end up getting hurt. For serious twists, youre on the clock. Consider The Wellthie One a welcoming place for you to visit often, as you find solutions and recommendations that will help you and your loved ones thrive! Thanks, wikiHow! No one is going to care more about your health and the well-being of your family than you are. The various ligaments that are found in the ankle joint are responsible for stabilizing the joint and providing support. 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Brunicardi FC, et al., eds. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; You should: raise your ankle if possible gently hold an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on your ankle for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours That way, you can avoid further injury to your ankle and speed up the healing process. How can you tell the difference between a broken ankle and a sprained ankle? While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly off, its most likely because a bone is broken. Does your ankle feel numb? With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken. Where is the pain? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. https://www.footcaremd.org/resources/how-to-help/how-to-identify-broken-ankle. Copyright 2022 TheWellthieone. Answering the three questions above can help you determine whether your ankle is broken or simply strained or sprained. So, are you ready to start the quiz? Distinguishing between them can be difficult and an accurate diagnosis often requires an X-ray or other imagining test. In order to treat a fractured ankle, the doctor would definitely align your bones and would apply plaster. If a recent ankle injury has you wondering whether it is broken or sprained, look no further. Learn about causes of uneven hips, such as scoliosis. How Do I Know if I Have a Sprain or Break? Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. In: Essential Orthopaedics. You just have to answer all the questions honestly and we will tell if your wrist is broken or sprained. Accessed Feb. 9, 2020. The right color of When an ankle is sprained then we can observe swelling, some bruises (change of color of certain skin area into green, purple, and blue), stinging, redness over some area, and you cant step on the ground and even if you do then are unable to walk according to your body type. National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. Elevating a sprained ankle and keeping weight off it can alleviate pain over time. To help you out, we have created this quiz that will give you an idea of what is wrong with your ankle. If you feel pain directly on the bone, it is most likely a break. Treatment for a broken ankle depends on the exact site and severity of the bone fracture. What to Look for This is by far the most common way people sprain their ankles. A broken bone must be realigned and stabilized. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. elderly people are more likely to sprain their ankles than people in their 20s). If yes, your ankle may be broken. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. There are many potential causes of a broken ankle, but usually the injury results from a twisting injury. 714-888-6860. A broken foot may also look bruised and swollen, and sometimes it will look visibly deformed. You should put no weight on your broken toe and give it six to eight weeks to heal fully. This will determine the type of recovery plan you need to follow to get back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible. With a minor ankle sprain, it may take around 2 weeks to heal. How Well Do You Know Hogwarts Legacy Quiz Pottermore fan! Also, see a doctor if the injury interferes with walking. Multiple-choice. The easiest way todecipher between a sprained or broken ankle is your ability to bear weight. } Bruises and inflammation dont take long to flare, so its best to see a doctor immediately. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Reap the Rewards Of Taking Magnesium Glycinate Gummies &, 7 Falsehoods That Show Your Anxiety is Lying To, Are You Experiencing Pain When You Eat? Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Ankle sprains are caused by an injury to the ankle, which can happen when the foot twists or turns inwards. Recognizing the Symptoms of a Broken Foot, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Tell-if-a-Foot-Is-Broken-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Tell-if-a-Foot-Is-Broken-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b5\/Tell-if-a-Foot-Is-Broken-Step-1.jpg\/aid7207739-v4-728px-Tell-if-a-Foot-Is-Broken-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"