Ankle injuries are common, and knowing whether your ankle is broken (fractured) or just sprained is crucial for proper treatment. While some symptoms are similar, there are key indicators that can help you determine if you need to seek immediate medical attention for a possible fracture.
The ankle consists of two main joints:
- Ankle Joint: Allows up-and-down motion and includes the tibia (shin bone), fibula (the other bone of the lower leg), and talus (ankle bone).
- Subtalar Joint: Enables side-to-side motion and connects the talus to the calcaneus (heel bone).
Three sets of ligaments stabilize these joints, making the ankle a complex and critical structure for mobility.
Signs and Symptoms of a Broken Ankle
Identifying a broken ankle involves recognizing specific symptoms that differentiate it from a sprain. Key signs to watch for include severe and immediate pain, which is usually intense and sharp right away, unlike a sprain that may gradually worsen. Swelling around the ankle occurs quickly and can be severe as your body's natural response to immobilize the area. Bruising often accompanies swelling, and while both sprains and fractures can cause bruising, it tends to be more pronounced with a fracture. Touching the injured area can be extremely painful if the ankle is broken, with this tenderness being more localized and intense compared to a sprain. If putting any weight on your foot is impossible due to severe pain, it may indicate a fracture. While sprains can also make walking difficult, the level of pain is usually less intense. A noticeable deformity, such as an unnatural angle or a bone protruding through the skin, strongly suggests a fracture and is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Steps to Take if You Suspect a Broken Ankle
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it's essential to take the following steps: Avoid moving the ankle and keep it as still as possible to prevent further damage. Apply ice to help reduce swelling and numb the area, ensuring you wrap the ice pack in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin. Elevate your ankle above heart level to decrease swelling. Seek medical attention promptly by visiting your primary care physician, an urgent care center, or an emergency room. A healthcare professional will evaluate your injury and may order X-rays to confirm a fracture.
Medical Evaluation and Treatment
During your medical evaluation, the doctor will take a detailed history, asking about how the injury occurred, any previous ankle injuries, and your current symptoms. They will conduct a physical examination to check for tenderness, swelling, deformity, and the ability to move the ankle. Imaging tests, typically X-rays, are used to identify fractures. In some cases, advanced imaging like MRI, CT scans, or bone scans may be necessary to assess the extent of the injury.
Conclusion
Recognizing the signs of a broken ankle is crucial for timely and appropriate treatment. Severe pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, inability to bear weight, and deformity are key indicators of a fracture. If you suspect your ankle is broken, immobilize it, apply ice, elevate it, and seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for proper healing and preventing long-term complications.
FAQs
Can you still walk on your ankle if it's broken?
Yes, there are still ankle fractures that are minor and still might have some walking flexibility; however, pain and instability are different. Be careful not to think it is good because you can take a few steps and have it checked.
What are the signs of having a broken ankle?
It has common signs, such as severe pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, or difficulty bearing weight. In severe cases, a bone may seem out of place or protruding. X-ray confirms diagnosis.
What can be mistaken for a broken ankle?
A severe sprain to the ankle may present itself as a fracture with pain, swelling, and bleeding. The distinction between them is only reliable when using imaging (such as an X-ray) and medical assessment.
What happens if you ignore a broken ankle?
Non-union, malalignment, chronic pains, arthritis, instability, and long term dysfunction may be causes of leaving an ankle fracture untreated and complicating the subsequent treatment. Timely treatment enhances results.