WebMD reports that over 1 million people visit emergency rooms each year due to ankle injuries.
Often, it’s difficult to tell if the injury is a sprained ankle or broken bone. Both can cause pain, swelling, and trouble moving your foot, making it easy to feel confused.
But don’t worry – this blog will help clarify the difference between sprain and break. Keep reading to learn more.
Swelling and Bruising
With a sprained ankle, swelling is usually around the ligaments and soft tissues. Bruising may show up within hours but is often lighter and smaller.
A broken bone causes more intense swelling, often spreading quickly. The bruising from a fracture is darker and larger, sometimes reaching beyond the injury site. If the swelling and bruising cover a wide area, it’s more likely a fracture.
If you’re unsure, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can help with ankle injuries to identify the issue and guide you on the best treatment.
Pain Intensity
Pain is often the first sign of an injury, but how intense it is can help you determine the severity. With a sprained ankle or broken bone, both injuries can be painful, but the intensity differs.
A sprained ankle typically results in moderate pain that can be managed with rest and ice. On the other hand, a broken bone causes severe, sharp pain that might worsen with movement. If your pain is unbearable and doesn’t improve, it could indicate a fracture.
Ability to Bear Weight
One key difference between a sprain and a break is how you feel when you try to stand or walk. After a sprained ankle, many people can still stand or walk, though it’s painful.
The ligaments are hurt, but the bone stays intact. If you can bear weight without severe pain, it’s likely a sprain.
With a broken bone, the pain is much stronger. You may not be able to stand or walk at all. If you can’t put weight on your foot, a fracture is more likely.
Visible Deformity
With a sprained ankle, the foot or ankle usually keeps its normal shape. There is no obvious change to the bone.
However, with a broken bone, the bone can shift out of place. It may even break through the skin, creating an unnatural bulge or angle.
If you notice this kind of deformity, it’s a clear sign of a fracture. A visible deformity is a serious injury and requires quick treatment to avoid complications.
Sprained Ankle or Broken Bone: Consult a Health Expert to Know
When you’re in pain, it can be hard to tell whether it’s a sprained ankle or broken bone. Pain tolerance varies from person to person. What may feel like a sprain to one person might be a fracture to another.
Because of this, it’s best to consult a health expert. At River Family Health, we understand how confusing these injuries can be. We can advise you on the best sprained ankle recovery tips.
Our team, led by experienced professionals like Kara DeLacy, NP-C, provides expert care and advice. Kara is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in nursing and patient care in Boise.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
