Broken Ankle Vs. Sprained Ankle: When to Call Your Doctor

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

Sprained Ankle

A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that join the bones of the ankle. Ankle sprains are usually caused by tripping or falling, landing awkwardly after a jump, a sudden impact, or twisting or rolling the ankle. Sprains can be mild to severe.

Broken Ankle

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. Ankle fractures can be milder, like a small crack, or severe, with bones shattering and piercing through the skin. A person with a broken ankle also often has damage to the ligaments as well.

Is it a broken ankle or sprained ankle?

It’s difficult to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and an ankle fracture. It’s especially difficult to tell the difference between a severe ankle sprain and a broken ankle. The symptoms for a sprained ankle and a broken ankle are very similar and include:

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

It’s most likely a sprained ankle if

If you can put weight on your ankle after the injury and you’re experiencing mild to moderate pain, it is most likely a sprain. Follow RICE Guidelines, which include:

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

If the pain doesn’t get better or gets worse the next day, then call your doctor. If it gets better, continue to follow RICE Guidelines and take 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 doctor right away, if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• You have severe pain or pain that gets worse over time
• You can’t put any weight on the injured ankle
• You have trouble moving the injured ankle
• If you heard a popping noise at the time of the injury
• If you notice your ankle looks deformed or not aligned properly with your leg

The only way to know for sure

Often, the only way to know for sure whether your ankle is sprained or broken is to get an xray. Many people assume that if you can put weight on the ankle then it isn’t broken, however, it is possible to walk on a broken ankle, particularly with a less severe fracture. If you’re concerned your ankle may be broken, we recommend contacting your doctor, who can conduct an examination or order and xray if necessary.

Broken Ankle or a Sprain: How do you Know?

You fall and injure your ankle. Next you gauge your pain and ask: “Is it a broken ankle or a sprain?” This scenario accounts for one of the most common complaints; yet a simple twist and fall could become a complex injury involving bone, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. In this blog I will discuss ankle fractures and what the next steps are on the road to recovery.

Ankle Anatomy

Three bones make up the ankle: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. The tibia and fibula are commonly involved in a broken ankle (ankle fracture). These articulate in multiple directions to account for the ankle’s complex range of motion. Motion between bones occurs against smooth surfaces covered with cartilage. Cartilage allows for fluid motion at a joint due to its low level of friction. For those familiar with carpentry, you can think of these bones as a mortise and tenon joint where the talus bone acts as the tenon (tongue) attached to the foot and the tibia and fibular act as the mortise making up the lower leg.

These bones are secured by ligaments (deltoid, syndesmosis, lateral ligament complex) that maintain this relationship. The deltoid ligament originates from the medial malleolus (medial tibia) and inserts on the talus, calcaneus and navicular bones of the foot distally. While commonly injured, surgical repair of this ligament is often unnecessary. The lateral ligament complex includes the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and the posterior talofibular ligament (PTFL). The most common type of ankle sprain involves the ATFL. The third major ligament complex is called the syndesmosis. This connects between the fibula and tibia throughout the lower leg. Injuries to this ligament are often referred to as a “high ankle sprain” and develop with rotation.

Pain free motion of the ankle relies heavily on this complex congruent relationship between the talus and the tibia and fibula. If the ankle joint is even displaced 1mm, a 42% increase in pressure to ankle may occur¹. A change in the bony anatomy of the ankle involved with an ankle fracture may introduce enough change in alignment that the ankle is now at risk for future arthritis.

Is the Ankle Sprained or Broken?

A thorough evaluation by an Orthopedic Specialist in Foot and Ankle such as Dr. Miller will identify the nature of the injury. Immediately following the injury, it is reasonable to assess the ankle with weight bearing. If there is no pain with walking, an ankle fracture is highly unlikely. Soreness with walking but the ability to walk normally suggests a contusion or sprain of the ankle. However, if you cannot stand on the ankle, an evaluation is warranted to rule out a broken ankle or ankle fracture.

Swelling is another sign of injury. If the swelling comes on gradually and is mild, the injury is likely a sprain or less severe. More immediate and significant swelling indicates a bony injury and possible fracture. When severe fractures occur, blistering of the skin is not uncommon. The blisters emanate from excessive swelling in the soft tissues following a severe fracture. Sometimes the ankle is dislocated with this amount of swelling. Immediate medical attention is required in these circumstances to reduce the ankle. Once severe swelling or blistering sets in, this can take weeks until the initial swelling resolves. In many cases these changes can delay surgery on the ankle.

As time passes ecchymosis (bruising) may occur. This can be extensive; however, this does not necessarily mean the ankle is broken. More severe ankle sprains present with significant ecchymosis over the region of injury. Besides not being able to put pressure down on the ankle or a deformity in the ankle after injury, a good reason to be evaluated for a broken ankle/ankle fracture is continued symptoms that worsen or stay the same. Some ankle fractures are stable enough that you may still be able to walk. Some people have a high pain tolerance that allows them to cope with the injury. These scenarios are best evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon when not improving.

Orthopedic Evaluation

Once you have made the decision to be evaluated for ankle pain, Dr. Miller will assess you and your injury as a whole. This includes a detailed history and physical examination with special focus on the ankle. Your age, mobility level and medical history are important, particularly as it relates to the ability heal an injury or recover from a potential surgery. Preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, vascular problems, and inflammatory disease (e.g. rheumatoid) must be accounted for during the planning of treatment. Any remote history related to the ankle or previous injury should be known.

Physical examination will be performed during your visit. It is important to assess the ankle based on its appearance including deformity, any open wounds around the ankle, the amount of swelling present, and any preexisting rashes or skin issues. Vascular exam is used to determine the appropriate blood flow to the lower extremity, and this is performed by checking the dorsalis pedis and posterior tibialis pulses surrounding the foot and ankle. A neurological exam of the lower extremity will be used to assess any nerve injuries and the ability to move the foot. The extremity will then be evaluated for areas of tenderness and pain. This will help to locate the injury in a broken ankle more specifically and rule out other concurrent pathology.

Findings from the physical exam will then be used to evaluate radiographs of the affected ankle and surrounding areas. X-rays consist of three views of the ankle and any other areas of concern. While minimizing radiation is a good general rule, lower extremity x-rays use very low levels of radiation and in comparison account for a small fraction of the radiation you naturally receive yearly by living on Earth². Based on these images, Dr. Miller can evaluate for the presence of a fracture and the severity of the fracture.

Treatment

Once you have been identified to have a broken ankle/ankle fracture, how will the ankle be treated? Assuming you have an ankle fracture, the most important decision is whether the fracture can be treated non-surgically or the broken ankle requires surgical intervention. This decision would be made by Dr. Miller taking into account all variables described above.

In many cases the decision to perform surgery depends on the stability of the ankle. If 2 or more different fractures are identified in the ankle, surgery is commonly warranted due to the concern for instability and movement of the pieces. If the pieces heal non-anatomically, the ankle may be predisposed to accelerated wear and arthritis. If only one fracture is identified, the decision to perform surgery relies on the location and character of the fracture. Further radiographs that stress the ankle may be warranted to make this determination.

If the broken ankle has been considered stable enough to not require surgery, early weight bearing in a protective boot may be an option. This type of protection can be required for 6 weeks. You would wear the boot during all weight bearing activities. Usually at 6 weeks there is adequate healing to start weaning out of the boot.

If the broken ankle/ankle fracture is severe or unstable, surgical intervention utilizing metal implants is likely required. The day of surgery a patient typically will receive a nerve block prior to surgery that helps with anesthesia and pain control after the procedure. This process anesthetizes the leg to achieve temporary numbness. Once this is complete the actual surgery usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours. The surgery consists of reducing the broken pieces of the ankle to where they were prior to the injury and maintaining that reduction with metal hardware. Generally one or two incisions are used. A soft cast or splint would be applied for temporary protection until you return the office. After surgery it is imperative to elevate your leg to your heart level consistently until seen in the office. This improves pain relief and wound healing.

When you return to the office, the ankle is usually ready to be placed in a boot for protection. For the next 5-6 weeks no weight is to be put on the leg in most cases. One can start showering 2 weeks after the surgery on average. Around 6 weeks after the surgery, you can progressively apply weight to the leg while in the boot until you are completely weight bearing in the boot without an assist device. Range of motion and therapy begins 4-6 weeks after surgery. You can drive 9 weeks after surgery if your right leg was injured. Eleven to 12 weeks after surgery the boot is replaced with a shoe and possibly an ankle brace. Return to full impact and running would be achieved in the following months.

Appointments can be made with Dr. Adam G. Miller by calling (513)-354-3700 or booking online here.

¹ Ramsey PL, Hamilton W. Changes in tibiotalar area of contact caused by lateral talar shift. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1976 Apr;58(3):356-7. Epub 1976/04/01.
² Coughlin MJ, Saltzman CL, Mann RA. Mann’s Surgery of the Foot and Ankle: Expert Consult-Online and Print: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2014.

Ankle Sprain or Break? | How To Tell

How to Tell an Ankle Sprain from a Break
Ankle breaks and ankle sprains can easily be confused with one another. A break is a fracture of one of the bones that make up the ankle joint, usually the bone on the outer aspect of the ankle called the fibula. A sprain, on the other hand, is a tear of one or more of the six ligaments that support the bones of the ankle. Because it’s not always easy distinguishing a sprain from a fracture on physical exam, X-rays can help medical providers confirm the diagnosis.
Is it an Ankle Sprain or a Break?
The following clues can help you asses the severity of an ankle injury.
1. Telltale noises: Often patients report hearing a cracking noise in the event of a fracture. Hearing a popping sound is common with ankle sprain injuries.
2. Physical deformity: While swelling can occur with both types of injuries, a lumpy or crooked appearing joint usually indicates a break.
3. Numbness: Experiencing numbness in the foot or ankle area is more common in ankle fractures compared to ankle sprains.
4. Pain: Although pain occurs with both breaks and sprains, the pain of a fracture is more intense and typically persists for hours or days after the injury.
5. Mobility: If you are able to move your foot at the ankle despite the pain, an ankle sprain is more likely. Loss of significant movement at the ankle is suspicious for fracture.
6. Try to Stand: If you can’t bear any weight on an injured ankle, a fracture should be ruled out by a medical provider.
When to Seek Treatment
If you’ve suffered an ankle injury you believe to a sprain, use rest, ice, compression, and elevation to alleviate symptoms. If your pains persist or intensify, or if your mobility is significantly impaired, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out an ankle fracture.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Sprain or Broken Ankle

Do I have a Sprain or Broken Ankle?

Ankle injuries are one of the most common injuries in sports and everyday activities, however it can be difficult to tell if you have a sprain or broken ankle. The quick answer is the difference between a sprain and broken ankle is the presence of a fracture, chip or crack in the bones of the ankle which can be seen with the use of an x-ray. 

Sprained Ankle

Broken or Fractured Ankle

A broken ankle involves fracturing one of the bones that makes up the joint. 

These bones include:

• The tibia (main lower leg bone)
• The fibula (smaller lower leg bone)
• The talus (top of the ankle joint). 

Fractures typically occur as a result of: 

• Severe force to the joint                                                    
• Rolling the ankle on the side, or extreme flexing
• Extension of the joint.

 Image of Ankle Anatomy

Broken or Fractured Ankle Symptoms

• Pain (sharp in nature)
• Swelling
• Difficulty walking or weight bearing
• Bruising or discoloration
• Obvious deformities of the bones
• You hear a popping noise

Examination by a Physician

In order to make an a proper diagnosis between a sprained or broken ankle, a exam with a physician is needed.  The physician will do a physical exam on the injured ankle as well as examining the x-rays.  The physical exam will determine the amount of laxity of the ligaments of the ankle.  Sometimes other diagnostic tests are needed to assist in the diagnosis of the injury.

Sprain or Sprained Ankle

A sprain of the ankle involves the ligaments of the lateral or medial aspects of the ankle joint.  A lateral ankle sprain is more common and the severity is measured by three grades.  A mild sprain or first degree, a moderate sprain or second degree and a severe sprain or third degree.  The amount of laxity determines the grade of the sprain.  A severely sprained ankle and fractured ankle symptoms can be similar.

A sprained ankle involves stretching or tearing one or more of the ligaments surrounding the ankle joint. The ligaments of the ankle attach bone to bone and provide stability. The severity of the sprain will lead to different treatment paths.

Ankle Sprain Symptoms

• Swelling
• Pain (sharp in nature)
• Discoloration
• May appear deformed because of swelling
• Walking or weight bearing will be difficult 

It should be noted that you should not try to ambulate or walk on either a suspected broken or badly sprained ankle.  You should use the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) technique and seek out a medical orthopedic evaluation.

The key to knowing which injury you have is to get evaluated by a physician.  The physician may use an x-ray or other diagnostic test to differentiate between a broken or sprained ankle.

If you want to learn more about ankle sprains, please watch this Ankle Sprain Video.

A broken or fractured ankle requires medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.  The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute has board certified orthopedic physicians who can help.  

Please read this related article: https://www.joionline.net/library/show/4-cardio-workouts-you-can-do-with-an-injured-leg/

How To Treat Ankle Pain With JOI Physical Therapy

When treating patients for ankle pain, JOI Rehab clinicians will commonly focus on range-of-motion with active and passive mobility exercises. Another form of therapy is strength training. This will help with stability of the ankle. Balance position sense is another key factor in treating ankle pain and preventing patients from losing their sense of balance due to ankle injuries. Different pairs of shoes may also help with healing ankle pains. 

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment at JOI Rehab for physical therapy, call (904) 858-7045.  To learn more about how JOI and JOI Rehab are keeping you safe, please read this article: JOI4U.

JOI Physicians Offer ASAP Fracture Service for a Broken Ankle.  Call JOI-2000, schedule online or follow the link below. 

By: Jared Ernest, PT

How to Identify a Broken Ankle

Is my ankle broken?

More than 1 million people visit emergency rooms each year with ankle injuries. But how do you know if your ankle is broken (fractured) or just sprained? Common folklore says that if you can
move it, it isn’t broken, but that is not always the case.  A broken ankle can be a combination of injuries to your bones and ligaments (the connectors between bones).

Ankle anatomy

The ankle joint as we commonly refer to it is actually two joints. The true ankle joint (tibiotalar) is responsible for the up-down motion of our ankle, while the subtalar joint (talar calcaneal) is responsible for side-to-side motion. 

The ankle (tibiotalar) joint is made up of three bones:

The leg bones form a scooped pocket around the top of the ankle bone.

Right below the ankle joint is the subtalar joint, where the ankle bone connects to the heel bone (calcaneus). Three sets of ligaments connect the bones and provide stability to both joints.

The knobby bumps you can feel on either side of your ankle are the very ends of the lower leg bones. The bump on the outside of the ankle (lateral malleolus) is part of the fibula; the smaller bump on the inside of the ankle (medial malleolus) is part
of the shin bone

Fracture or sprain?

Any one of the three bones that make up the ankle joint can break as the result of a fall, a car accident, or some other trauma to the ankle. A broken ankle may also involve damage to the ligaments.

Since a severe sprain can often mask the symptoms of a broken ankle, every injury to the ankle should be examined by a physician. Symptoms of a broken ankle include:

• Immediate and severe pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness when touched

• Inability to put any weight on the injured foot (or pain when you put weight on your foot)

• Deformity, particularly if there is a dislocation as well as a fracture

If you have an ankle injury with swelling, pain when putting weight on it, or deformity, you should see your primary care physician or foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon for further evaluation.

In the evaluation, your doctor will take a thorough history of your injury, any prior ankle injuries, your current symptoms (complaints), and any treatment you have had. Your doctor will likely order radiographs (X-rays) to find the location of the break.
Occasionally, advanced imaging such as MRI, CT scan, or bone scan will be necessary.

Last reviewed by Jamal Ahmad, MD, 2020

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) offers information on this site as an educational service. The content of FootCareMD, including text, images, and graphics, is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to substitute
for professional medical advice, diagnoses or treatments. If you need medical advice, use the “Find a Surgeon” search to locate a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon in your area.

Is your injury a sprain or break?

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior or just enjoy spending time outdoors, chances are you’ve rolled your ankle at some point and wondered whether it was broken or sprained.

Ankle injuries are common in sports and everyday life, and they come in a variety of patterns, ranging from simple to severe.

Sprains are often billed as less severe. But a sprained ankle can be just as painful as a broken one.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament. Ligaments are bands of tissue that attach two bones together at a joint. They provide stability to the joint, while allowing it to bend. When a sprain occurs, it can be very painful to bend or put weight on the ankle. A common misconception is that if you can put weight on the ankle, then it’s not broken. However, there are situations where the ankle can be broken, and it’s still possible to put weight on it.

So how can you tell if your ankle is broken or sprained? If there’s any deformity of the ankle, that indicates the ankle is broken. If the ankle doesn’t look deformed, then the only way to really know is to get X-rays.

In the case of a sprain, the vast majority will heal with rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and sometimes wearing a walking boot. While return to activity varies based on the severity of the sprain, that’s generally achieved within two weeks for minor sprains and up to six weeks for more severe sprains.

How to manage a broken ankle depends on the severity of the break. This is mainly determined by whether the bones of the ankle have shifted or changed position. If they didn’t move and the ankle joint is stable, then the treatment can look similar to a severe sprain. For more unstable or severe injuries, surgery is often required to restore alignment of the bones. Recovery from this type of injury can often take three months or longer.

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to determine whether an ankle injury is a sprain or break. If in doubt, it’s always best to see a provider, and undergo an exam and X-rays, to determine the type of injury.

Timothy O’Connor, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was either recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in a non-patient care area where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.

Ankle Sprain vs. Broken Ankle: How to Tell the Difference

Ankle injuries are among the most common of the bone and joint injuries. Sprained and broken ankles are both painful injuries, and they often occur after similar types of activities. Typically, both ankle sprains and breaks occur when the ankle is stressed at an angle. Determining if an ankle injury between a sprain or broken can be difficult, especially in cases when a sprain is severe. Ultimately, the best way to diagnose an ankle injury is an x-ray.

What is the difference between a sprained ankle and a broken ankle?

The difference between a broken ankle and a sprained ankle is that a fracture or break in the bone is necessary to have a broken ankle. Any crack, break, or chip in the anklebone is considered a fractured ankle. A sprained ankle is an injury where there is tear or disruption of the ligaments.

It’s likely a sprain if:

• If you can stand and put weight on your ankle, immediately after an injury and several hours later
• If you don’t have significant pain
• If you have minimal or no swelling, however, swelling and bruising can occur with moderate and severe sprains
• Unless severe, ankle sprains should start to improve after a few days with RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)

It’s likely a break if:

• You’re unable to walk immediately after the injury or later that day
• You experience moderate to severe pain when applying pressure
• Swelling and bruising are immediately obvious

When to seek medical attention:

Seek immediate medical attention if your ankle appears deformed, you’re in severe pain or if you are unable to walk. If swelling and pain from an injury originally thought to be a sprain are not starting to improve after a few days, visit your local CareWell to get an x-ray for an official diagnosis.

90,000 Ankle Injuries – All About Running on Get.run

Have you ever twisted your foot while running?

Or, better ask how many times you twisted your foot while running, and then walked slowly for several minutes, limping and praying that the pain would subside and you could resume your workout.

This is a real runner’s nightmare, especially if you are running on trails or other uneven surfaces with tree roots sticking out of the ground.One wrong step can make you stop jogging for several weeks or make you suffer from pain that lasts for months.

In this article, you will learn what ankle injuries are and how to treat them so you can get back to running as quickly as possible. We’ll even tell you what exercises to do if you can’t see a physical therapist.

How do you know what kind of ankle injury you have?

The ankle joint is an incredibly complex anatomical structure; it allows the foot to move in all three planes of motion, allowing you to run nimbly on uneven surfaces.

The downside to the versatility of the ankle is that it is also vulnerable to injury if the landing did not happen as you expected. An awkward landing or twisting of the foot can cause a sprain, damaging the ligaments on the outside (or, less commonly, the inside) of the ankle.

We can give you advice on how to strengthen your ankle joints and ligaments to limit the possibility of injury, but unfortunately this is such a difficult part of the body that even strengthening exercises does not guarantee that you will not get injured.

Adding to the problem is that there are other injuries that can also cause pain in the ankle area and can be mistaken for sprains.

Ankle sprain

If you think the pain is caused by twisting your foot, the first step is to make sure that the pain is not caused by repetitive, repetitive motion trauma.

Ankle sprains are always the result of a sudden and violent impact, an unsuccessful landing, or a twisting of the foot. You may hear or feel a “popping” followed by a sharp pain.

Ankle sprains also cause severe swelling – the ankle will look noticeably enlarged and swollen soon after the injury. You will also experience throbbing or aching pain in the ankle, even if you cannot bear your weight on it, and you will feel sharp pain if you try to turn the foot in or out with the sole.

Tendon Damage

Tendon injuries such as tibialis posterior tendonitis (located on the inner side of the ankle) and peroneal tendonitis (located on the outer side of the ankle) tend to cause pain during weight-bearing activities and are usually not associated with severe swelling.

Pain from a tendon injury can also spread down the foot or up the lower leg (along the length of the tendon).

If you are unsure if you have a sprain or other ankle injury, it is best to see your doctor. This is also the best course of action if you have a particularly severe sprain. Your doctor can tell if you have damaged a tendon or ligament, and in the event of a severe sprain, an x-ray can help rule out a bone fracture.

What does research say about ankle injuries?

According to a study by Bernard Marty and other researchers at the University of Bern in Switzerland, foot and ankle injuries account for 28% of all running injuries. Pain in the outer part of the ankle accounts for more than half of these.

Pain in the inner ankle accounts for only 3.3% of all running injuries.

Marty and his colleagues did not go into details to find out what causes pain in the outer ankle most often – an injury from repetitive repetitive movements or an ankle sprain.But in 2002, scientists at the University of British Columbia found that sprains resulting from inward tucking of the foot (the most common type) account for about 1% of all injuries reported to a sports injury clinic. Although this does not allow drawing conclusions about the actual number of such injuries, since many people suffering from ankle sprains do not bother to see a doctor.

What happens when a runner rolls his foot?

Complex, allowing movement of the foot in several planes, the ankle joint contains strong short bands of connective tissue called ligaments.

When you twist your foot, these ligaments stretch too much and get damaged. This causes an almost immediate inflammatory response and the ankle begins to swell noticeably.

If you twist your foot while running, you may find that you can continue to move for a while, limping, but inflammation soon begins.

After that, any further attempts to keep running will be extremely painful, if not impossible.

One of the unfortunate consequences of an ankle sprain is that the injury makes you prone to re-stretching in the future.

A 2001 Australian study of basketball players found that athletes who had ankle sprains in the past were nearly 5 times more likely to re-stretch.

Ankle sprains need to be treated correctly because it can help prevent the injury from recurring in the future.If you have had frequent sprains, you may develop so-called chronic ankle instability, a condition in which the ligaments are constantly torn or lengthened and the cartilage of the joint is damaged.

Chronic ankle instability can seriously impede your ability to run, so avoid this condition at all costs! This should be your top priority!

How is ankle sprain treated?

If you have a sprained ankle, the first thing to do is to reduce swelling and pain as quickly as possible.

The best tool for this is a cold bath.

A 1982 study published by John Hockutt and other physicians at the Delaware Center for Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine compared applying cold to an ankle sprain immediately after injury (less than an hour) and 36 hours later.

The researchers found that patients who started applying cold shortly after injury were able to return to exercise after an average of 13 days, compared with 30 days for patients who only started the procedure 36 hours later.

You may have seen recommendations to apply heat to the injured area, but research by Hokutt and colleagues refutes this approach to treating ankle sprains.

The researchers found that applying heat instead of cold resulted in the longest median recovery time – 33 days!

Another study by Debra Kote and colleagues at the University of North Carolina compared cold, hot, and contrast baths for swelling after ankle sprains.

After using a specially designed water reservoir to track changes in ankle volume, the researchers found that warm and contrast baths resulted in significantly more ankle swelling than cold baths.

A 2006 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests the following cold regimen: 10 minutes cold, 10 minutes off, then another 10 minutes cold. This allows for faster pain relief in the ankle compared to 20 minutes of continuous cold application.

Using a cold water bucket is also preferable to using a cold water heating pad because the hydrostatic pressure of the water inside the bucket provides some compression, which can help reduce swelling.

According to Hokutt and colleagues, applying cold should be started as soon as possible after injury and repeated 3 times a day for at least the first 3 days after injury.

Ankle elevation or tight bandage?

Research also shows that elevating the injured leg is a better treatment than elastic bandage.

A 1991 study found that patients who placed the ankle on a raised elevation for 30 minutes had less swelling than those who practiced elastic bandage. And a 2011 study did not show any significant benefit of applying an elastic bandage in assessing pain and joint function 10 and 30 days after ankle sprain.

Do I need to immobilize the ankle joint?

Another ankle rehabilitation myth is that you must immobilize your ankle until it is completely healed.

In a 2007 review article, Morgan Jones found that by starting rehabilitation exercises as soon as you can handle the stress, you can return to sports faster and lower your chances of injury recurrence than if you use a splint, brace, or crutches for extended periods. …

What rehabilitation exercises should you do?

A typical holistic rehabilitation program is suggested by Carl Mattakol and Maureen Dwyer of the University of Kentucky.Within 2 or 3 days after the injury, they suggest starting calf stretching and basic exercises to improve joint mobility, such as “writing” letters of the alphabet with the foot in the air. The latter, by the way, can be done even when your foot gets wet in a bucket of cold water.

After a few days, you can start doing strengthening exercises using a rubber band. Once you can walk painlessly, you can start doing exercises to improve balance on one leg and practice walking on toes and heels.

Unilateral balance exercises are especially important because they reduce the risk of future ankle sprains.

Even after you have fully recovered, you should continue to practice one-legged balance on a swinging board as part of your regular strength training, especially if you plan to do trail running again!

To make it easier for you to follow the rehabilitation plan, we have described it in the table below.Please note that all exercises should be done for both legs, not just the one that is damaged.

How to protect the ankle in the future?

When you get back to running, you may find taping or using an ankle brace very helpful.

Studies have shown that using tape or retainer can reduce the risk of injury in the future. But these studies focused on soccer players, not runners. The tape or retainer can be cumbersome, restrict freedom of movement, or cause wet blisters, so you should consider whether they are worth it or not.

If your ankle injury isn’t responding to treatment, you should definitely see your doctor.

You may need a more personalized physical therapy plan or a special brace, especially if you have had ankle sprains in the past. You may also have hidden injuries that prevent a speedy recovery; for example, injury to the peroneal tendons due to sprains and ankle instability.

When to return to running after an ankle injury?

According to Mattkol and Dwyer, you can start running as soon as you can walk an unlimited distance without ankle pain.You should follow standard plans to return to running using the walk / run method.

For example, your first run might consist of 6 sets of running at a slow pace for 1 minute and 6 sets of walking for 4 minutes. Then, after a day of rest, you can do 6 sets of 2 minutes of slow running and 6 sets of 3 minutes of walking.

You can continue to train in this style until you can run for 30 minutes without interruption, and then start increasing your running speed and jogging frequency.For example, go from jogging every other day to jogging for 2 days in a row, followed by a day of rest. Then run for 3 days in a row, followed by a day of rest, etc., until you are back to your normal running speed and frequency.

If you have a mild ankle sprain, you can use a more aggressive return to running program if your ankle condition allows it.

Your first runs should always be on a level, secure surface, such as a road or a treadmill, so there is no chance of tucking your foot again while your ankle is still vulnerable to injury.

As you strengthen the joint and increase its stability, you can gradually transition to running on more challenging surfaces.

Ankle sprain: treatment, causes, symptoms

What is this?

Ankle sprains are damage to the connective tissue that surrounds the ankle. It is characterized by a complete or partial rupture of the ligaments. Ligaments provide stability to the joint and limit excessive rotation.

Causes and risk factors

Stretching most often occurs as a result of a fall, a sharp blow. Sometimes it is enough to twist your leg.

Risk factors are:

sports

coordination problems

wearing unsuitable shoes
or high heels

Sedentary
lifestyle

Running or walking
on uneven ground

Previous
ankle injury

Some people are prone to sprains due to the structure of the ankle.
For example, with a high arch of the foot, the risk of falls is higher.

Symptoms

An ankle sprain is often confused with a fracture due to similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist in time and get an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes a fracture and a sprain can occur at the same time.

Ankle pain

Edema or
swelling

Bruises,
bruises

Redness
damaged area

90,010 difficulty walking

Violation of
range of motion

Stretch ratios

Grade I sprain

The anatomical integrity of the ankle is preserved.Tears of individual fibers are possible. The pain is moderate, the edema is mild. The joint is functioning normally. Recovery takes 1-3 weeks.

Grade II sprain

Partial rupture of the ligaments. May be accompanied by joint damage. The pain is severe, swelling and bruising appear. Joint function is impaired. It is difficult for the patient to step on the foot. The treatment lasts 3-6 weeks.

Grade III sprain

Complete rupture of the ligaments.Severe pain and extensive swelling. Range of motion is impaired. The patient cannot walk. Recovery takes from several months to six months.

How is it diagnosed?

The doctor will examine the affected area and check the mobility of the ankle. When stretched slightly, examination is usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.

However, in some cases, additional studies are required to exclude a fracture, to assess damage to tendons, ligaments, nerves and blood vessels.The doctor may order x-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds of the joint.

How is it treated?

For first aid:

Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the damaged area

Apply a bandage to immobilize the ankle

Place the injured limb slightly above body level

Within two to three days after the injury, it is necessary to ensure the immobility of the ankle and refuse to exercise.You should also avoid thermal procedures: hot showers, baths, massage and rubbing. All of these can worsen symptoms.

Treatment for sprains depends on the severity of the injury. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers and recommend crutches to relieve pressure on your leg.

If the ligaments do not heal for a long time, surgery may be required.

Exercises

To restore the function of the joint and strengthen the ligaments, it is necessary to perform a set of exercises, which will be prescribed by the attending physician.
The following exercises may be recommended for you:

Folds

Place your heel on the floor. Slowly move your foot and toes towards and away from you. Repeat 20 times.

Alphabet

Place your heel on the floor. Try to write caps in the air with your big toe.

Climbs

Stand against a wall and rest your hands on it.Stand up on your toes. Hold this position for a couple of seconds and return to the starting position. Repeat 20-30 times.

Prevention

• Lead an active lifestyle. Exercise will help strengthen your muscles, ligaments, and joints.
• Avoid uneven or slippery surfaces. This will reduce the risk of falls and injury.
• Wear the right shoes. Discard the flat sole. Make sure that the shoes support the natural arch of the foot.Do not wear heels higher than 5 cm. Choose shoes by size.
• Warm up and stretch. Sports should be approached competently. Before training, you need to warm up the muscles, and after exercise, let them relax.

These tips will help reduce the risk of injury and strengthen your ankle. Despite the fact that the ligaments take a long time to recover, the prognosis is generally favorable. The main thing is to seek medical help in time and follow the doctor’s recommendations.

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90,000 Slippery topic: how to distinguish a fracture from a bruise, dislocation, and sprain yourself? | Volzhsky news

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Angle of incidence

– A walk on a slippery sidewalk can end up in a hospital bed, says Sergey Viktorovich.- Therefore, try to protect yourself as much as possible from falling, for which choose the right clothes and shoes. In stores you can buy special pads for soles, there are also “folk remedies”: adhesive plaster or stockings for boots. While climbing the icy stairs, hold onto the railing. Do not carry the bag at the bend of the elbow, generally give up on it for the winter – it is better to hang the backpack behind your back to free your hands.
Take small steps on the icy road without hurrying or being distracted by talking on your mobile phone.If you do lose your balance, try to fall correctly. You should not throw your hands forward or vice versa, put them behind you – this increases the risk of fractures of the forearms and wrists.
Falling on your back, press your chin to your chest, and stretch your arms forward, while straining your muscles as much as possible. If the body is relaxed, the risk of breaking an arm or leg increases.
It is best to land on your side with your head in your shoulders and your elbows against your body. But, of course, in order to fall correctly, you need a certain skill and a quick reaction.

– What to do if it was not possible to protect yourself from falling?

– First aid for injuries sustained in a fall is the same: pain relief, cold and rest. After returning home, hold an ice pack on the bruised area. First, leave the cold compress for 20-30 minutes, then apply for 10 minutes every two hours. But in no case should you warm or rub the site of injury on the first day. And, if the pain persists, it is better to consult a traumatologist: treatment of sprains and fractures with “folk remedies” is a bad idea.

– How to distinguish a simple contusion from a dislocation and fracture?

– A symptom of a bruise is pain that disappears some time later. Edema forms at the site of the injury, and a bruise forms a few hours or even days later. Apply cold – but not warming – to the damaged area! – compress. If the pain and swelling persist, and the hematoma grows, you need to consult a doctor, since the consequences of a severe injury can be serious.
Dislocation is characterized by sharp pain at the moment of impact, deformation of the joint, inability to move an arm or leg.A cold compress is also applied to the affected joint to relieve pain. The limb is fixed: the hand is bandaged to the chest, the leg is covered with soft pillows. The gross mistake is to correct the dislocation yourself or ask someone to do it. Contact your doctors immediately.

“You don’t go there, you go here”

• What if it’s not a dislocation, but a sprain?

-Sprains are most often seen in lovers of heels – as they say, “twisted her leg on a bump.”Its sign is aching pain, which can subside, and then, with an awkward movement, will torment the person again. A twisted leg can result in a fracture. To distinguish it from a sprain, press down on the protruding ankle bone from both sides. If there is no pain, chances are you have a sprain. In this case, you need rest, cold compresses immediately after injury and dry heat the next day.

– What are the signs of a fracture?

– Acute pain, aggravated by exertion, inability to move fingers, edema.But even if everything seems to be in order, after a serious fall, it is better to see a doctor. Fractures of the legs can be accompanied by thrombosis, and this leads to blockage of blood vessels and, in case of a late visit to the doctor, to very sad consequences.

– In winter, passers-by are in danger not only “from below”, but also “from above”: you can also suffer from falling icicles. What if a piece of ice falls on a person’s head?

– The advice is the same: do not waste time. If you have a cut wound, apply a bandage from scrap materials, contact the nearest medical facility or even a pharmacy for first aid.Signs of a concussion are as follows: impaired coordination, dizziness, nausea, double vision. A person at the time of injury may lose consciousness, even if only for a few seconds, he may be tormented by vomiting. In this case, the victim should be laid on a bench and something cold should be applied to his head, and then an ambulance should be called. Be that as it may, when going outside, be careful. Watch your step and take care of yourself.

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90,000 Fractures and sprains of the ankle | mamaclub

Ankle or ankle injuries most often occur during sports or active outdoor games.It is characteristic that ankle sprains and fractures are often confused due to the similarity of symptoms. It should be noted that sprains are much more common, and their difference from fractures primarily lies in the intensity and duration of symptoms.

Sprains

Sprains are the most common ankle injury. In most cases, stretching occurs at the moment when the leg is in an unfortunate position and the ligaments are stretched abruptly and too much – during braking, a sharp turn, an inaccurate step, etc.

There are several degrees of stretching, which are classified according to the severity of the injury. The first degree is considered a relatively mild injury, the ligaments are moderately damaged, and the pain is fairly easily tolerated. The second degree is characterized by severe sprain and even partial rupture of the ligaments – in such cases, inflammation and serious discomfort and pain are common, especially when walking. The third degree of sprain requires serious treatment and often surgical intervention – it is a complete rupture of the ligaments, severe pain, inability to move independently.

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Fractures

Ankle fracture is a much bigger problem than a dislocation. With a fracture, a person feels severe pain, there is a noticeable swelling and bruising. The victim cannot move independently. An open fracture is also possible – these are called fractures in which a broken bone is visible through the wound.

Like sprains, fractures can be of varying complexity. A stress fracture is a crack on the outside of the bone, leaving the bone intact.But if it is not treated, then the condition may worsen and the bone will begin to collapse. Simple fractures cause the bone to split in two. Fragment fractures are fractures in which a bone breaks into several pieces. An open fracture is called a fracture in which the bone damages the skin from the inside; with a closed fracture, a wound does not form.

Obvious signs of a fracture are the inability to stand on a leg and walk independently, an unnatural appearance of the leg, the presence of strange, atypical bends, and rapidly developing severe edema.

Medical care for fractures and sprains is required!

In all cases of suspicion of a fracture or sprain, an urgent need to consult a doctor. Pain in itself is not a symptom of a fracture and, if the fracture is closed, then sometimes it is usually possible to accurately diagnose it only with the help of an X-ray examination.

The doctor will determine the type and severity of the injury and prescribe the necessary therapy. In some cases, surgery may be required, simple cases are treated with conservative methods.

Ankle injury. Ruptured Achilles tendon. Ankle fracture. Calcaneus fracture.

Ankle injuries are the most common. Almost every seventh patient of a traumatologist or surgeon faces a similar problem every year. Athletes are especially prone to ankle injuries – 15-20% of cases. You should not leave them unattended, because the consequences can be quite serious. And the lack of recovery from ankle injuries is fraught with recurrence of symptoms, which interferes with a normal active life.

Such problems can arise even without much activity or playing sports – with the usual tucking of the foot while walking. This often happens during icy conditions or when driving on uneven surfaces.

Depending on the place and degree of damage, several major injuries of the ankle joint are distinguished: sprains or ruptures of ligaments, fractures, dislocations, subluxations.

Sprain and rupture of ligaments

Sprains and ruptures of the ankle ligaments are injuries that are closely interrelated.They occur most often with a sharp change in movement, twisting and bending of the foot. There are three degrees of damage to this part of the ankle:

1. Stretching, microscopic tears. With such injuries, the swelling and pain are small, the load is easily tolerated, and the X-ray does not show changes in the joint.

2. Severe stretching, possible partial rupture and partial loss of functionality.

3. Complete rupture of the ligaments of the joint. With this degree, physical activity is limited, swelling and pain are pronounced, and joint deformation is possible.

Symptoms may be more severe, depending on the extent of the lesion. The healing time of such injuries of the ankle joint also differs – in the most severe case, it can be 12 months.

Fractures

A jump, a fall from a height, a blow to the lower leg, the impact of some mechanism on the ankles – all this can cause another type of ankle injury – fractures. The symptoms of this condition are quite clearly expressed and cannot be ignored by the patient himself:

• strong pain;
• noticeable swelling;
• Difficulty walking when stepping on the foot.

Ankle fractures can be open or closed. There may or may not be an offset.

Dislocations, subluxations of the ankle

Dislocation and subluxation are some of the most common ankle injuries. Almost everyone has come across them at least once in their life. Depending on the degree of damage to the ankle joint, they may heal quickly and without treatment, or may require long-term recovery.

A dislocation, like an ankle injury, is characterized by a complete rupture of the ligaments and the joint capsule, while subluxation is only partial damage to them.And one and the other option occurs when the foot is bent during an unsuccessful jump, run or walk.

Main symptoms:

• pain, swelling;
• deformity of the foot and ankle;
• ankle instability;
• unnatural forced position of the foot.

Injury treatment

If left untreated, any of the ankle injuries will not only cause discomfort when walking, but will also reduce the patient’s activity.In the future, ankle injury may recur and worsen.

To restore the normal functionality of the ankle joint, both conservative (if the degree of damage is minimal) and surgical treatment are used. Without surgery, bones and ligaments take much longer to heal, making it impossible to lead a normal life. Turning to Dr. Rokita, who performs minimally invasive surgical interventions, you can quickly and effectively get rid of any injury to the ankle joint.

Rehabilitation and prevention

It is important to correctly follow the doctor’s recommendations during the rehabilitation period after injuries of the ankle joint, in particular, undergo physiotherapy procedures, take calcium-containing preparations and foods rich in protein.

Preventing ankle injuries is not easy, but it is possible. Avoid uncomfortable high-heeled shoes, wear a special ankle brace when playing sports, be careful when walking on uneven surfaces.

90,000 Difference between fracture and sprain

A fracture is a fracture of bones, but if there is a stretch in the ligaments (the tissue that connects the bones in a joint) it is called a stretch. The fracture occurs in the arms, elbow, wrist, arms, legs, ankle, foot, toe, while the sprain occurs mainly in the ankle and wrist.The maximum rupture occurs due to strong shock or stress. Tension occurs due to excessive force applied to a joint like the ankle, wrist.

Fractures are of different types, but are generally divided into simple, complex, complete and incomplete. Fractures are diagnosed using X-rays, MRI, CT, while sprains can be easily diagnosed by medical professionals, and if not, they will advise you to take an X-ray.

Comparison table

Definition of a fracture

A fracture can occur in any bone in the body, usually the word “fracture or crack” is used to refer to a fracture. The bone can be broken into pieces, cruciformly, longitudinally, or at many places in the body (multiple fractures). A fracture caused by a disease (health condition) is called a pathological factor, and the fracture weakens the bones.

There are different types of fractures, but mainly divided into simple and complex fractures, complete and incomplete fractures.

1. Simple and complex fractures . A simple fracture is also called a closed fracture, in which there is no open wound in the skin and the bones are broken. Simple features include transverse, green, collapsed, oblique, fractured fracture types. Compound Fracture is a bone fracture in which the broken bone is visible through the skin; it is also called an open fracture.
2. Complete and incomplete fractures . A complete fracture of the bone in two is called a complete fracture.A Greenstick fracture is an example of an incomplete fracture that occurs in long bones, resulting in bone cessation.

Diagnosis of bone fractures is done by healthcare professionals by examining the signs and symptoms of patients or using radiography, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT (computed tomography).

Treatment of a bone fracture can be performed with a plaster cast, metal plates and screws, intramedullary nails, additional fixators.Although bone healing is a natural process that takes two to eight weeks to recover and function, the patient is advised to go to bed and keep the injured part still.

More than 99% of the calcium in the body is found in the bones, and 1% in the blood. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain this level through a properly balanced diet that contains sufficient amounts of calcium, such as milk, cheese, green leafy vegetables. It is important that sunlight, eggs, and fish are also good sources of vitamin D.Along with this, exercise should be done to help strengthen bones.

In women, due to menopause, the calcium level decreases, which leads to weakening of the bones, therefore it is necessary to maintain this level.

Determination of Ligament Stretch

When one or more ligaments stretch , tear or bend, it is called a ligament sprain. When excessive force is applied to joints such as the ankle, wrist, or sometimes the thumb, a sprain occurs.

A sprain can be diagnosed by contacting a healthcare professional where he will advise on x-rays. The affected area will also be sore, unable to move in the joints, and swelling may occur.

Treatment of sprains can be done at home, if minor, using RICE therapy, where R is for rest, I is for ice, C is for compression, and E is for lifting. The patient can also consult a doctor if there is a lot of pain.

Prevention of sprains can be achieved by maintaining a properly balanced diet to keep muscles strong, avoid play or exercise during pain, and take safety measures during work or physical activity.

Key Differences Between Fracture and Sprain

Both words such as “Fracture” and “Sprain” are closely related, ordinary people can get confused about the same, but below are the main differences that can be useful in identifying differences.

1. A fracture is a fracture of a bone, whereas a sprain of ligaments is a sprain of ligaments (the soft tissues that connect bones in joints).
2. A fracture can occur in any part of bones, such as the left, hands, toes, ankle, foot, wrist, hands, but sprains usually occur in joints, such as ankles, wrist.
3. A fracture can be caused by a fall accident, sports injury, or osteoporosis (weakening of the bone), while a sprain occurs from a fall, impacts or twists can cause a sprain.
4. Fracture can be treated with plaster cast or splint ; Sprains are treated with RICE- therapy.

Conclusion

Fracture and sprain are very common. People need to take care of themselves by adopting the right diet, doing the right exercise.Because fracture and sprain cause body pain and proper rest is necessary for healing.