How to Tell the Difference Between a Sprained Ankle vs Broken Ankle

We’ve all had those moments – one wrong step, and suddenly, your ankle twists, leaving you in pain and wondering just how bad it is. Is it an ankle sprain, or could it be something more serious, like a broken bone?

Understanding the difference between a sprained ankle vs broken ankle is crucial for getting the right medical treatment and speeding up your recovery. At SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy in Dallas, we’re here to help you recognize the signs and know when it’s time to seek our expert care.

Identifying Two Common Ankle Injuries: Sprains and Fractures

The most common ankle injuries are sprains and fractures. Both can cause intense pain, but it’s important to be able to tell the difference between them for proper medical treatment.

An ankle sprain occurs when the ligaments around the ankle are stretched or torn. It often leads to significant swelling, bruising, and tenderness, but it typically allows for some movement. On the other hand, ankle fractures involve a broken bone, which usually presents with more severe pain, an inability to bear weight, and a noticeable deformity or misalignment in the ankle. 

What Is an Ankle Sprain?

An ankle sprain is a common ankle injury that occurs when the ligaments around the ankle joint are stretched or torn, often due to sudden twisting or rolling of the ankle. This can happen when you step on an uneven surface or land awkwardly during physical activities. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, with symptoms including pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle. 

Twisted Ankle vs Sprained Ankle

A twisted ankle and a sprained ankle are terms often used interchangeably, but they describe slightly different injuries. A twisted ankle is any situation where the foot twists or rolls awkwardly, causing discomfort or pain in the ankle. This twist can sometimes lead to an ankle sprain, a specific injury involving the overstretching or tearing of the ligaments in the ankle.

While all sprains result from twisting the ankle, not every twisted ankle leads to a sprain. A twisted ankle may only cause temporary discomfort, while a sprained ankle often involves swelling, bruising, and a longer recovery process, depending on the severity of the ligament damage. 

What Is an Ankle Fracture?

An ankle fracture occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint are broken. This type of injury is often the result of a fall, a direct blow, or a severe twist of the ankle, and it can cause intense pain that makes it difficult to move or put weight on the injured foot.

Ankle fractures vary in severity, from minor cracks in the ankle bone to more complex breaks that require surgical intervention. If you suspect an ankle fracture, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications and ensure proper healing.

Sprain vs Fracture

A sprain and a fracture are both common ankle injuries, but they involve different types of damage. A sprain occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are overstretched or torn, usually due to a sudden twist or turn of the foot. This results in pain, swelling, and bruising, but the bones remain intact.

In contrast, a fracture involves a break in one or more of the three bones that form the ankle joint. A fractured ankle typically causes more intense pain and significant swelling and may lead to visible deformity or an inability to move the ankle. While both injuries require medical attention, fractures generally need more intensive treatment, such as immobilization or surgery, to ensure proper healing.

How to Distinguish Between a Sprained or Broken Ankle

When comparing a sprain to a fracture, it’s essential to understand the key differences between these two common ankle injuries. Sprained ankles occur when the ligaments around the ankle joint are stretched or torn, typically due to twisting or rolling of the ankle. This injury often results in pain, swelling, and bruising, but the bones remain intact.

In contrast, a fracture involves a break in one or more of the three bones in the ankle. A fractured ankle usually causes immense pain and significant swelling and often makes it impossible to put weight on the foot and ankle. While both ankle injuries can cause discomfort and limit mobility, an ankle fracture is generally more serious and requires a longer recovery period compared to an ankle sprained. 

Broken Ankle Symptoms vs Sprain Symptoms

Understanding the symptoms can help you tell the difference between a sprained or broken ankle. With ankle sprains, the ligaments are stretched or torn, leading to pain, swelling, and bruising, but you may still be able to bear weight on the foot.

Broken ankles, on the other hand, involve a break in the bone and often present with more severe symptoms such as severe pain, significant swelling, and a visible deformity. If you have a broken ankle, bearing weight on the injured foot may be extremely painful or impossible. Recognizing these differences is crucial for determining whether you’re dealing with an ankle sprain vs. a broken ankle and seeking the appropriate medical care.

How to Tell If Your Ankle Is Broken

Look for several key signs to determine if you have a broken ankle. If your ankle hurts with severe pain immediately after an injury, it could indicate a fractured bone. Swelling around the injured ankle is common, and if you’re unable to bear weight on the affected foot, a broken ankle has likely occurred. In severe cases, the swelling and discomfort might be so significant that moving the foot becomes extremely painful, signaling a need to seek medical attention immediately.

What Does a Broken Ankle Look Like?

A broken ankle shows visible signs that indicate a serious injury. Swelling and bruising around the area are common, and you may notice an unusual angle or deformity, suggesting a broken bone. In severe cases, broken ankles can result in the inability to bear weight on the affected foot, with severe pain that worsens when trying to move.

What Does a Broken Ankle Feel Like?

A broken ankle often feels like an intense, sharp pain immediately after the injury occurs. You may also experience a throbbing sensation that intensifies with movement or when trying to bear weight on the injured ankle. The area around the fractured ankle usually becomes swollen and tender to the touch, and in some cases, you might hear a popping sound at the moment the broken bones occur.

Can You Walk on a Broken Ankle?

Walking on a broken ankle is not recommended and can cause further damage. While some people may still be able to bear weight, doing so can worsen the injury and lead to complications. The pain from a broken ankle typically makes walking difficult or impossible, and it’s important to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat the injury to prevent long-term issues.

How Do I Know If I Sprained My Ankle?

You may have an ankle sprain if you’ve experienced a rotational injury where your foot twists awkwardly. Common signs of ankle sprain include pain, swelling, and bruising around the ankle. If it’s a mild sprain, you might still be able to walk, though with some discomfort. However, if you notice significant swelling or difficulty putting weight on the foot, the ankle sprain is likely more severe, and you should consider seeking medical attention to avoid further injury. 

What Does a Sprained Ankle Look Like?

A sprained ankle typically shows visible signs of injury, including swelling and bruising around the affected area. The swelling can cause the ankle to appear puffy or enlarged, especially on the side where the ligament is injured. Bruising may develop, ranging in color from red to dark purple or blue, depending on the severity of the sprain. The skin around the ankle might also feel warm to the touch due to inflammation. While the ankle may not look deformed, as it would with a fracture, it can appear slightly out of shape due to the swelling. 

What Does a Sprained Ankle Feel Like?

A sprained ankle often shows visible signs of an ankle injury, such as swelling and bruising around the foot and ankle. The injured ankle may also be tender to the touch, and there could be noticeable redness. Unlike an ankle fracture, where the bone is broken, a sprained ankle doesn’t generally cause a deformity, but the pain can still be significant. While ankle fractures may result in an inability to move or bear weight on the foot and ankle, a sprained ankle often allows some movement, although with discomfort. 

How Is a Broken Ankle Treated?

Treating a broken ankle involves several treatment options depending on the severity of the broken bone. If the fracture is minor, immobilization with a cast or brace for four to six weeks is often enough to allow the bone to heal properly.

In cases where the ligaments are completely torn, or the ankle fracture is severe, an ankle arthroscopy or other surgical procedure may be required to realign the bones and secure them with screws or plates. Physical therapy is usually recommended after the initial healing period to restore ankle strength, flexibility, and range of motion. 

Proper treatment options are essential to ensure the broken ankle heals correctly and reduces the risk of long-term complications. 

How Is a Sprained Ankle Treated?

Treating a sprained ankle requires a combination of treatment options to reduce discomfort and support recovery. Initially, the RICE method, rest, ice, compression, and elevation, helps the swelling subside and eases pain. Pain relievers can also be used to manage discomfort.

An accurate diagnosis from an ankle specialist at SPORT is essential to ensure that the ankle sprain is healing properly and to rule out more serious injuries. As the ankle starts to heal, gradually introducing balance exercises and physical therapy can help restore strength and mobility. 

When to Worry About a Sprained Ankle

While most sprains heal with basic care, certain signs may indicate a more serious ankle sprain. If you experience severe pain, significant swelling that doesn’t improve with rest, or extreme difficulty bearing weight on the injured foot, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Additionally, if the ankle sprain leads to instability or you notice bruising spreading beyond the ankle, it could be a sign of a more serious ankle injury or complications that need medical intervention.

Contact SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy Today for Ankle Injury Treatment in Dallas

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from an ankle injury, don’t wait to seek help. Whether you’re dealing with a sprain, strain, or something more serious, an ankle specialist from SPORT Orthopedics + Physical Therapy is here to help you recover quickly. Schedule your appointment today by calling (469) 200-2832 and take the first step towards healing your ankle injury.