Injuries to the ankle are common, especially for those leading active lifestyles or engaging in sports. However, distinguishing between a broken ankle and a sprained ankle can be challenging. Both conditions share symptoms like pain and swelling, yet the treatments and recovery processes differ significantly. Here are the biggest signs to help you determine whether you’ve got a broken ankle or a sprained ankle, and when to seek professional care from North Texas Foot & Ankle.

Understanding the Differences

A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle stretch or tear. This is often the result of a sudden twist or turn of the ankle. On the other hand, a broken ankle (or ankle fracture) involves a break in one or more of the bones in the ankle joint.

5 Key Signs of a Broken Ankle

1. Severe Pain: While both injuries cause pain, a broken ankle often results in immediate, severe pain that intensifies with movement or when putting weight on the foot. The pain from a fracture is usually sharp and localized at the site of the break.
2. Deformity: A noticeable deformity, such as a bone protruding through the skin or the ankle appearing misaligned, is a clear sign of a fracture. If your ankle looks out of place or you see an abnormal bend, it’s likely broken.
3. Inability to Bear Weight: If you cannot bear any weight on the injured ankle without excruciating pain, this strongly suggests a fracture. While a severe sprain can also cause difficulty in weight-bearing, a complete inability is more indicative of a break.
4. Bone Tenderness: Direct tenderness over the bone, especially around the ankle bones (malleoli), is a telltale sign of a fracture. Pressing on these bones and experiencing significant pain points towards a break rather than a sprain.
5. Numbness or Tingling: Experiencing numbness or a tingling sensation in the foot or toes can indicate nerve involvement, which is more common in fractures due to potential nerve damage.

Key Signs of a Sprained Ankle

Pain and Swelling

While fractures cause severe, sharp pain, sprains usually result in a dull or throbbing pain. Swelling and bruising are common in both, but tend to be more widespread in sprains.

Limited Range of Motion

Sprains typically cause difficulty moving the ankle in certain directions. If moving the ankle is painful but still possible, it is more likely a sprain.

Gradual Pain Increase

Unlike the immediate and severe pain of a fracture, the pain from a sprain may increase gradually over the first 24 hours after the injury.

Instability

Feeling of instability or looseness in the ankle joint is common with sprains, as the ligaments are stretched or torn, compromising the joint’s support.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience any of the severe symptoms associated with a broken ankle, such as extreme pain, deformity, inability to bear weight, or numbness, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. At North Texas Foot & Ankle, our orthopedic specialists are equipped to provide accurate diagnoses and comprehensive treatment plans to ensure optimal recovery.