Ankle injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of how active you are. For many people, it’s often difficult at first to tell the difference between a sprained ankle vs. broken ankle . The symptoms of each injury are often similar — and either injury can lead to immobilization.

To obtain the best treatment and make the best recovery possible, it’s essential to recognize the differences early on. If not treated correctly, the injury might worsen or take longer to heal. To help you understand how they vary, we’ve put together a helpful guide on the key distinctions between these two injuries.

What is a sprained ankle ?

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that link the bones of a joint. When ligaments in your ankle get stretched beyond their normal limits or get torn, we call it a sprained ankle. Depending on the extent of ligament damage, this injury may be mild, moderate, or severe.

The leading causes of ankle sprains are:

• This occurs when the foot turns unnaturally, stretching or tearing the ligaments.
• Rolling the ankle. Rolling the ankle inward or outward can damage the ligaments on either side of the joint.
• Other causes. Sudden impacts and sports-related activities may also cause sprained ankles.

Symptoms of sprained ankles vary significantly from one person to the next but usually include:

• A sharp or aching pain around the ankle, especially when moving or bearing weight.
• The affected area becomes swollen due to fluid buildup around the injury.
• Discoloration around the ankle caused by damaged blood vessels.
• Other symptoms. In some cases, there may also be stiffness, warmth, or difficulty moving the ankle.

What is a broken ankle ?

Ankle fractures happen when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint is cracked or broken. There may be a small crack or a complete break in the bones, depending on how severe the trauma is.

Common causes of broken ankles include:

• Falling from a height or tripping can cause the bones in the ankle to fracture.
• Sports injuries. High-impact activities or sudden movements during sports can result in broken bones.
• Other causes. Accidents, car crashes, and other types of direct trauma can also lead to broken ankles.

The symptoms of a fractured ankle are usually more severe than those of a sprain injury. It is critical to recognize the warning signs to get treatment quickly.

• Visible deformity. The ankle may appear misshapen or out of place. If the break is bad enough, the bone might pierce the skin.
• Severe pain. Pain and tenderness will be present, especially when trying to put weight on that foot.
• Inflammation. Intense swelling is common.
• Inability to move the ankle. Limited or no ability to move the ankle due to pain or damage.
• Other symptoms. Numbness, tingling, or a feeling of instability may also occur.

Key differences: Sprained ankle vs. broken ankle

Now let’s review the key differences between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle.

• Type of injury. The main distinction between a fractured ankle and a sprained ankle is the nature of the injury. A sprain involves ligaments, while a fracture involves bones.
• Pain level and intensity. Sudden, severe pain that becomes worse with activity is a common symptom of a fracture. Sprains often present with a softer, throbbing ache that gradually becomes more intense.
• Visible signs (swelling, bruising, deformity). Dislocation or an abnormal bend are common outward signs of a fractured ankle. Both types of injuries cause rapid swelling, but sprains are less likely to cause the noticeable structural alterations seen in fractures.
• Did you hear a cracking sound? Sprains typically occur without any accompanying noise. If you heard a cracking sound when the injury occurred, that’s an indication of a fracture.

When to seek medical attention

See a doctor if an ankle injury causes you prolonged pain and makes it difficult to walk or place weight on your foot. Even if it’s a sprain, the right diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your recovery time, as well as your comfort levels during recovery.

Your doctor can use X-rays and medical evaluations to reach an accurate diagnosis and develop the right treatment plan.

Treatment and recovery

Rest, ice application, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.) is the standard protocol for treating sprains, which helps decrease swelling and speed up the healing process. Your doctor may also recommend wearing an ankle brace. Surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a fracture, and casting the joint to keep it from moving may be the best option.

Recovery times for these injuries vary greatly. Some sprains heal within days, while others take weeks. For broken ankles, it can take six weeks to several months to fully heal. If you continue to experience discomfort, you can speak with your doctor about specific pain management options. Achieving complete mobility may require physical therapy.

Get help fast

To get the right treatment options for your ankle injury, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible when you notice symptoms like swelling or clicking sounds. If you put off getting treatment for a sprain or fracture, you run the risk of complications, a longer healing time, and maybe permanent damage.

Our dedicated medical team at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health is ready to help you achieve the best recovery possible after any ankle injury. We specialize in orthopedic care and rehabilitation and also provide treatment for sports injuries. Our advanced imaging technology can accurately diagnose the injury and guide your treatment plan.

Contact Florida Medical Health Clinic Orlando Health now to schedule a doctor consultation for an ankle injury.

Meet Dr. Moran

Dr. Ryan M. Moran is a family doctor who values personal relationships with his patients and makes an effort to learn about their specific health concerns. By combining innovative thinking with current medical knowledge, he encourages open dialogue and works closely with each patient to get the greatest potential results.

Dr. Moran is a compassionate and knowledgeable specialist in the management of chronic diseases. He is available to help patients through their treatment programs for ailments like diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. For added peace of mind, he offers regular checkups, including Medicare wellness checks, school checkups, and sports physicals.

Contact Dr. Moran today to schedule an appointment by calling 727-375-1548 or request an appointment online.