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From rolled ligaments to fractured bones, ankle injuries are a painful inconvenience that can affect your mobility for at least a few weeks, depending on the severity of your injury. However, because of the initial pain associated with ankle injuries, it can be difficult to tell whether it is sprained or broken. One injury demands more immediate professional attention than the other, so it is important to understand the symptoms of each to be able to recognize what steps you should take. Here are some ways you can tell the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle.

Identifying a Sprained Ankle

A sprained ankle happens when your ankle is twisted past a normal range of motion or overextended, hence why it is sometimes called a twisted ankle. Some of the symptoms of a sprained ankle include:

1. Bruising
2. Swelling
3. Pain mainly in the soft parts of the ankle

If you suspect you have a sprained ankle, you may be tempted to simply stay home and rest. However, don’t just sit on your couch with an ice pack. It’s recommended to speak with a doctor if you have a sprained ankle because sprains can consist of varying severities that each require different treatments.

Identifying a Broken Ankle

Unlike a sprain, a broken ankle is defined by a fracture or break in one of the bones of the ankle. In addition to bruising, pain, and swelling, some of the symptoms of a broken ankle include:

1. A cracking sound when the injury occurs
2. Numbness in the toes
3. Noticeable deformities around the ankle

A broken ankle is much more serious and noticeably painful than a sprain; therefore, you should seek out a professional diagnosis as soon as possible. Because broken ankles are often confused for sprains, you will likely worsen your injury and experience further pain and damage if you neglect proper treatment by mistakenly trying to walk it off.

If you are feeling pain in your ankle and are unable to walk or put weight on your injured foot, contact the orthopaedic specialists and physicians at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine today.

Professional Ankle Treatment and Recovery Specialists

Whether your ankle is sprained or broken, the fantastic team at Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine is here to help reduce and relieve your pain and ensure your recovery. Through our expert treatment plans and advanced surgical procedures, our team is dedicated to helping you regain your full mobility and to getting you back to your daily routine as soon as possible. For more information on our services or to schedule an appointment, request an appointment online or call us at 904-825-0540 today.

Kurtis Hort, MD 
Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and a member of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Dr. Hort specializes in reconstructive procedures of the foot and ankle.