Knowing the Difference Between an Ankle Sprain and an Ankle Fracture

As one of the most common sports injuries, an ankle sprain can be extremely painful – leaving you laid up much longer than you’d prefer. But when does a simple sprain become a fracture? Ankle sprains and ankle fractures are often misdiagnosed as one and the same. Our Plano TX podiatrists can help clear up this confusion, as well as effectively diagnose your injury, meaning you never have to worry about a misdiagnosis. Characteristics of Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains are an extremely common podiatric condition. Because of their popularity, many times people will assume their ankle is simply sprained – when in reality they are dealing with a fracture. The first step to determining what type of injury you have is to think about how you got it. Ankle sprains are usually characterized by a popping sound or tearing sound, and are usually associated with discomfort, rather than debilitating pain. If you can still more your ankle around the joint and can continue to put weight on it, your injury is most likely a sprain. To best treat an ankle sprain, alternate ice and heat, elevate the injury, and in many cases, utilize a brace to immobilize in the injured area. A professional podiatrist can effectively diagnose and treat your injury. Characteristics of Ankle Fractures The more severe of the two, ankle fractures are the most common type of bone fracture. These fractures are characterized by a cracking sound upon injury, and can be extremely painful. If the ankle area has any numbness, and you cannot move around the joint, the injury is most likely a fracture. If the ankle itself appears crooked, and you cannot put any weight on the injured area, it is most likely a bone fracture. Some of the treatment options for an ankle fracture include ice, elevating the injury, splints, a cast and crutches, and in some cases, surgery. Rely on a skilled and knowledgeable professional podiatrist to determine the best course of action regarding your injury. Our Plano TX podiatrists can provide you with more information regarding ankle sprains and ankle fractures.