What Are the Symptoms That Differentiate a Broken Ankle From a Sprained One?

When trying to tell the difference between a broken ankle and a sprained ankle, there are some key symptoms to look for. A broken ankle usually causes more intense pain and swelling. You might not be able to put any weight on it at all. Sometimes, the ankle might look deformed or have a bruise.

On the other hand, a sprained ankle might still hurt, but the pain and swelling are often less severe. You might still be able to walk, but it could hurt a lot.

Here are some signs to look for:

1. Pain: A broken ankle usually has more severe pain.
2. Swelling: Both injuries can cause swelling, but it’s often more pronounced in a fracture.
3. Ability to Walk: Walking or putting weight on a broken ankle is often very difficult.
4. Appearance: A fracture might cause the ankle to look misshapen.

If you have an ankle injury, it’s important to see a doctor to find out what’s wrong. They can do tests to see if it’s broken or sprained.