If you’ve ever twisted your ankle, you know how painful it can be. But how do you know whether you’ve sprained your ankle or if it’s actually broken? Sprained ankle and broken ankle are terms that get used interchangeably by many, but they refer to very different injuries. Understanding the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle is crucial. It will guide you on how to treat the injury. Additionally, it will help you know when to seek medical help.
In this article, I’ll explain the key differences between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle. I will show you how to tell which one you might be dealing with. I’ll also guide you on what you should do to properly care for your injury. Knowing the distinction can significantly affect your recovery time. It ensures that you take the right steps to heal.
What is a Sprained Ankle?
A sprained ankle happens when you stretch or tear the ligaments in your ankle. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect your bones to each other and provide stability to your joints. When you twist or roll your ankle awkwardly, you can stretch or tear these ligaments, resulting in a sprain.
- Cause: A sprained ankle usually occurs when you twist your ankle in an unnatural direction. This can happen if you land wrong after a jump. It can also occur if you step on an uneven surface or suddenly change direction while running.
- Symptoms: The most common symptoms of a sprained ankle include swelling, pain, bruising, and limited movement. You may also experience tenderness when you touch the area. In some cases, you might hear a pop or snap when the injury occurs.
There are different grades of sprains, which indicate the severity of the injury:
- Grade 1 (Mild): The ligament is stretched, but there is no tear. The symptoms are mild, and you may still be able to walk.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): The ligament is partially torn. You may have moderate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
- Grade 3 (Severe): The ligament is completely torn. This is the most serious type of sprain and may require surgical intervention.
Treatment for a Sprained Ankle
If you suspect that you’ve sprained your ankle, it’s important to treat it properly to avoid further injury. Here’s what you should do:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured ankle. This will give the ligaments time to heal.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured ankle for 15-20 minutes. Repeat this every couple of hours. This helps to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage to help control swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the ankle elevated above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation.
In more severe cases, like a Grade 3 sprain, you might need a brace. Crutches might also be necessary to keep weight off the ankle. In rare cases, surgery might be required to repair the torn ligaments.
What is a Broken Ankle?
A broken ankle, on the other hand, is a more serious injury. It involves a break or fracture in the bones of the ankle joint. These bones include the tibia, fibula, or talus. A broken ankle typically occurs as a result of high-impact trauma, such as a fall, car accident, or sports injury.
- Cause: A broken ankle can happen when you experience a significant force or impact on your ankle. This can occur from landing hard from a jump. It can also happen if you are in a car accident or twist your ankle awkwardly while playing sports.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of a broken ankle are typically more severe than those of a sprained ankle. You may experience:
- Intense pain at the site of the injury
- Difficulty or inability to move or put weight on the ankle
- Visible deformity, such as an ankle that is out of place or has a bump
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle
- In some cases, the skin may be broken, and you could see bone protruding from the wound (an open fracture).
Types of Broken Ankles
There are different types of fractures that can occur in the ankle:
- Stable fracture: The bones are broken but still aligned properly.
- Displaced fracture: The bones are broken and have moved out of alignment.
- Open fracture: The bone breaks through the skin, which is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Treatment for a Broken Ankle
If you think you have a broken ankle, it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately. Treatment options for a broken ankle vary depending on the severity of the fracture:
- Non-Surgical Treatment: If the bone is aligned correctly, and the break is stable, you may only need a cast. Alternatively, you might need a boot. These devices will immobilize the ankle while it heals. You may also be instructed to use crutches to avoid putting weight on the ankle.
- Surgical Treatment: In the case of a displaced or open fracture, surgery is often required. It realigns the bones. Surgeons stabilize them with screws, plates, or pins.
- Rehabilitation: Once the bone has healed, you will likely need physical therapy. This will help you regain strength in the ankle. It will also improve flexibility and mobility.
Sprained Ankle vs Broken Ankle: Key Differences
Both a sprained ankle and a broken ankle involve damage to the ankle joint. They have some important differences. Here’s a quick comparison to help you differentiate between the two:
| Sprained Ankle | Broken Ankle |
|---|---|
| Affects ligaments | Affects bones |
| Caused by twisting or rolling the ankle | Caused by a traumatic impact or force |
| Pain is usually moderate | Pain is intense and immediate |
| Swelling and bruising | Severe swelling, bruising, and possible deformity |
| Limited movement or ability to walk | Difficulty or inability to walk or move ankle |
| Can usually be treated at home | Often requires medical attention and possibly surgery |
| May take a few weeks to heal | Can take several weeks to months, depending on severity |
How to Tell if You Have a Sprained or Broken Ankle
It can be difficult to tell whether you have a sprained ankle or a broken ankle without medical expertise. However, here are a few things you can consider to help you assess the situation:
- Pain Level: If the pain is intense, you might have a broken ankle. You may be unable to move or put weight on it.
- Swelling: Both injuries cause swelling. If there is visible deformity or the ankle looks out of place, it strongly indicates a broken ankle.
- Bruising: Both a sprain and a break can cause bruising. However, bruising around a broken ankle tends to be more severe. It is also more immediate.
- Sound: If you heard a snap or crack when you injured your ankle, it’s likely a broken ankle.
- Movement: If you can’t move your ankle at all, it’s more likely a broken ankle. The pain may be unbearable when you try.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you’re unsure whether you’ve sprained or broken your ankle, it’s always a good idea to seek medical help. Here are some situations when you should definitely seek medical attention:
- Inability to walk or put weight on the ankle
- Severe pain that doesn’t subside with rest and ice
- Visible deformity in the ankle or foot
- Numbness or tingling in the foot or ankle
- Open wound with visible bone or blood
A doctor will be able to diagnose the injury accurately using physical exams. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, help determine if the ankle is broken. They also assess the severity of the injury.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. While both injuries involve the ankle, they require different approaches to healing and rehabilitation. A sprained ankle involves ligament damage. It can be treated at home with rest and care. A broken ankle often requires more intensive treatment. This may include potential surgery.
If you experience a significant ankle injury, consult a healthcare professional. This ensures you receive the appropriate treatment. By taking the proper steps, you can recover from a sprained or broken ankle. You can return to your normal activities as soon as possible.
