How do you tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture?

However, the difference is pretty simple — a fracture is a break in your bone, while a sprain is a soft tissue injury. Sprains happen when the ligaments around your joint either stretch too far or tear. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as a fall or a sports injury.

What’s worse ankle fracture or sprain?

A broken ankle is a more severe injury than a sprained ankle. With a clean break that doesn’t need surgery, recovery can take around 6 to 8 weeks. If you need surgery, recovery will take longer. With a minor ankle sprain, it may take around 2 weeks to heal.

Can a sprained ankle turn into a fracture?

Sprains can be mild to severe. There are three bones in the ankle joint—the tibia, fibula and talus—an injury can cause one or more of these bones break, or fracture.

Can a broken ankle be mistaken for a sprain?

A broken ankle can often be mistaken for a sprain, even with an X-ray, due to the complex structure of tissue, muscle, and ligaments concealing the bone. If not properly treated, an ankle break can lead to further pain, damage to the ankle joint, and impede mobility.

Can you fracture your ankle and still walk?

Broken ankle — can you still walk? Typically, a minor ankle fracture won’t prevent you from walking. You might even be able to walk right after the injury. If you have a serious break, you’ll need to avoid walking for a few months.

What happens to an untreated ankle fracture?

If left untreated, an ankle fracture can be dangerous to the stability of your ankle. The bones can move further out of position, and the pain can intensify and hinder your movement.

What does a stress fracture in the ankle feel like?

Pain, aching, and tenderness that worsens during and after physical activity or movement. Relief from pain during periods of rest. Swelling on the ankle or top of your foot. Bruising and swelling at the site of the stress fracture.

Is it possible to walk on a fractured ankle?

How to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and a fracture?

If your ankle hurts or is tender to the touch directly over your ankle bone, you probably have a fracture. If the pain is in the soft part of your ankle, it’s more likely a sprain. If you’re still not sure, see your doctor. He can examine your ankle and give you a number of tests to figure out which injury you have.

What’s the difference between an ankle strain and sprain?

• Strain is a stretch related injury of muscle while sprain is an injury of joints and ligaments. • Strains are common around back, hamstrings, and elbow while sprains are common in ankles, knees and wrists.

How long does it take to recovery from an ankle sprain?

Mild and moderate low ankle sprains usually take about two to six weeks to recover from and get back to strenuous activities, such as sports. Severe low ankle sprains usually take about 6 to 12 weeks of rehab and recovery to get back to strenuous activities.

How bad is my ankle sprain?

Ankle sprains are very common injuries. Sometimes, it is an awkward moment when you lose your balance, but the pain quickly fades away and you go on your way. But the sprain could be more severe; your ankle might swell and it might hurt too much to stand on it. If it’s a severe sprain, you might have felt a “pop” when the injury happened.