Foot Sprains vs. Fractures: How To Tell the Difference

May 04, 2023

The more pain you have, the more likely it’s a fracture, right? Not necessarily. Sprains can often be so severe that they cause as much pain as a broken bone. So how can you tell which is which? Keep reading to learn more.

It can be easy to make assumptions about ankle injuries, and some can be correct. For instance, if you have a visible deformity in the area, it’s likely due to a broken bone. But, if your ankle injury is very painful, this may not necessarily mean there’s a fracture.

Ankle injuries can vary in complexity and severity. An estimated 2 million people sprain an ankle each year in the United States, and ankle fractures are the fourth most common break among adults. So while ankle injuries are common, they need to be seen by a professional to get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

At Advanced Care Foot and Ankle in Corona and Ontario, California, our skilled providers can diagnose what your injury is and help you get back on your feet again. In this blog, they shed some light on the commonalities and differences between sprains and fractures.

The basics of sprains and fractures

If you suffer a sprain, this means one or more ligaments have either overstretched or torn. Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other in a joint. If you suffer a fracture, this means one or more bones have broken.

Ankle injuries are incredibly common because it doesn’t take much to force the ankle joint into an unnatural position. Common causes of ankle injuries include:

  • Running or walking on uneven surfaces
  • Landing a jump incorrectly
  • Losing balance
  • Slipping or stepping awkwardly off a curb
  • Wearing unsupportive or unstable shoes
  • Traumatic falls
  • High-impact athletic activities
  • Vehicle accidents

Since both sprains and fractures can range from mild to severe, the symptoms they cause can offer clues into which injury you sustained.

Signs of a fracture or sprained ankle

The challenge with distinguishing ankle sprains and fractures is that their symptoms can overlap. In fact, the most common signs of both of these issues are pain, swelling, and bruising. Both of these injuries can also make it difficult to bear any weight on the affected area. It’s also important to know that you can have a broken ankle and still walk on it.

But, while both of these injuries often cause pain, the discomfort is often different. With sprains, there’s often a popping sensation at the time of injury, followed by localized pain in the ankle that gradually worsens. However, a fracture often causes severe pain immediately that spreads out over the joint.

Another key difference is a damaged ligament usually causes instability in the ankle, while fractures often — but not always — cause visible deformity in the affected area.

At the end of the day, you need an expert to determine whether you’re dealing with a sprain or fracture, and that’s where we can help.

Diagnosing an ankle injury

The most important takeaway is that an ankle injury needs proper treatment to heal properly — especially if it’s severe — and that includes ankle sprains.

Our team diagnoses ankle injuries by reviewing your symptoms and performing a comprehensive exam. We could also order digital imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRI scans.

After determining the type and severity of your ankle injury, we can create a personalized treatment strategy. If you have a sprain, your injury may respond to physical therapy and the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, if you have a broken ankle, you may need physical therapy, immobilization, or possibly even surgery.

Did you injure your ankle? We can give you a thorough evaluation and help you get well. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Advanced Care Foot and Ankle today.