How Do You Know if You Have a Broken Ankle

Did yous know ankle injuries are ane of the most mutual os and joint injuries for athletes, weekend warriors, and those of us just walking through dissimilar daily activities? Many people presume it's easy to tell the difference betwixt a fractured bone and a joint sprain, but sprains and fractures share many symptoms making information technology hard to know what's causing your pain.

At Arlington/Mansfield Pes & Ankle Centers , our experienced team of providers assist patients in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, with effective diagnoses and care for talocrural joint sprains and ankle fractures . Read on to learn how to tell the departure between ankle sprains and fractures and what you tin do nearly both!

What's the difference between an ankle sprain and ankle fracture?

Your ankle is a complex articulation comprised of ligaments, tendons, and three main bones: your talus, your fibula, and your tibia. These elements work together to help you move, and even a slight displacement in the articulation can result in pressure or hurting.

Both talocrural joint sprains and fractures result from like activities, such as tripping, falling, or twisting, and occur when the ankle is stressed at an bending . The deviation is that sprains event when there is impairment to the ligament, whereas ankle fractures crave a break in the os .

How tin I tell if it'due south a sprain or fracture?

Both sprains and fractures can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. In addition, it may be hard to put weight on your injured foot with both ankle sprains and ankle fractures.

The best way to determine if your ankle is sprained or fractured is to have it evaluated past an ankle skillful at Arlington/Mansfield Pes & Ankle Centers. Your provider identifies the nature of the injury using concrete evaluation and digital X-ray and/or CT scan if required.

Here are some symptoms to consider when trying to effigy out if your ankle injury is a sprain or fracture:

Signs of an ankle sprain

Power to bear weight on your ankle (either immediately or after several hours)
Mild-to-moderate pain
Ankle instability
Some swelling and bruising

Signs of an talocrural joint fracture

Inability to conduct weight on your talocrural joint (both immediately and later several hours/days)
Moderate-to-astringent pain upon injury, sometimes with numbness
Swelling and bruising are typically immediate and obvious
Deformity of the ankle

When should I seek medical attention for my ankle?

If your ankle is deformed, you're experiencing extreme pain, or if yous're unable to walk at all, you shouldn't wait to seek medical care. If you believe you lot accept an ankle sprain merely your injury isn't improving after a few days of rest and ice, it's of import to schedule an appointment with your provider at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Center.

Ankle fractures that aren't treated correctly can cause serious and debilitating complications. And talocrural joint sprains that don't heal properly tin lead to recurrent ankle sprains and instability. It's important to have your ankle evaluated by trained ankle specialists to ensure you get back on your feet and back to your daily routine equally rapidly as possible!

Ready to learn more about treatment options for ankle sprains and fractures? Contact the Arlington/Mansfield Human foot & Talocrural joint Center office most convenient to y'all or asking an appointment online now!