Ankle sprains and breaks are common among athletes and weekend warriors however, talocrural joint injuries tin can affect people of all ages and activeness levels. If it happens to you, learn how to spot the differences between a cleaved ankle vs. a sprained ankle and know when you should call your md.

Sprained Ankle

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that bring together the bones of the ankle. Talocrural joint sprains are normally caused past tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after a jump, a sudden affect, or twisting or rolling the ankle. Sprains can be mild to severe.

Broken Ankle

In that location are three bones in the talocrural joint articulation—the tibia, fibula and talus—an injury can cause one or more of these bones break, or fracture. Ankle fractures tin can exist milder, like a small cleft, or astringent, with bones shattering and piercing through the skin. A person with a broken ankle as well oftentimes has damage to the ligaments likewise.

Is information technology a broken ankle or sprained ankle?

It'southward difficult to tell the difference betwixt an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture. It'south especially difficult to tell the difference between a astringent ankle sprain and a broken ankle. The symptoms for a sprained ankle and a cleaved ankle are very similar and include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Inability to comport weight on the injured ankle

It's most likely a sprained talocrural joint if

If you can put weight on your talocrural joint after the injury and you're experiencing balmy to moderate pain, information technology is virtually likely a sprain. Follow RICE Guidelines, which include:

  • Balance the talocrural joint by not putting any weight on it
  • Ice it to reduce swelling and ease hurting
  • Compress it with an over-the-counter bandage
  • Elevate it to reduce swelling and ease pain

If the hurting doesn't get amend or gets worse the next day, then telephone call your doctor. If information technology gets improve, continue to follow RICE Guidelines and accept over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if necessary.

It's most likely a broken ankle if

You may have a broken ankle, and you should contact your md right abroad, if you discover any of the post-obit symptoms:

  • You take astringent pain or pain that gets worse over time
  • Yous tin can't put whatsoever weight on the injured ankle
  • Yous have problem moving the injured ankle
  • If you heard a popping noise at the time of the injury
  • If you notice your ankle looks plain-featured or not aligned properly with your leg

The only way to know for sure

Often, the merely mode to know for sure whether your ankle is sprained or cleaved is to get an xray. Many people assume that if you lot tin can put weight on the ankle then it isn't broken, all the same, information technology is possible to walk on a broken ankle, especially with a less severe fracture. If you're concerned your ankle may be broken, nosotros recommend contacting your doctor, who tin can deport an examination or order and xray if necessary.