Many people confuse ankle fractures with sprains due to their similar symptoms. Unfortunately, this misreading leads to improper treatment, damaging the joint. Although physical therapy helps regain your range of motion, knowing the differences between the two injuries prevents aggravating them. Use this guide to learn more about these common ankle problems.

Ankle Sprains and Their Treatments

An ankle sprain is a partial or complete tear of ligaments due to unexpected movement. Typically, it happens during sports activity after stepping on an uneven surface or twisting the ankle while running. If you experience a mild ligament sprain, employ the rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) method within two to three days after your injury. 

Resting lessens pain and discomfort while covering the injury with an ice pack every three hours minimizes swelling. If the affected area still appears inflamed, compress it using an elastic bandage. While resting, elevate the ankle to drain excess fluid. After the pain subsides, complete healing requires physical therapy to restore strength and motion. 

Ankle Fractures and Their Treatments

An ankle fracture occurs after breaking one or more of three lower leg bones in the joint. Athletes participating in high-impact sports, such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and tennis, have a higher risk of experiencing this injury. Fortunately, wearing the right shoes, warming up before physical activity, and using a brace help protect the ankles from harm.

If you experience this injury, visit a physician. They will put your lower leg in a short cast, preventing unnecessary movement for faster healing. Unfortunately, severe fractures need orthopedic surgery to put the joint in its original place and repair the broken bone. 

How to Tell the Difference

Ankle sprains and fractures have similar symptoms, such as pain, swelling, and bruising. For this reason, it can be challenging to tell them apart. If you injure your ankle, consider the following elements to determine what's wrong before consulting a doctor for personalized advice:

• Injury Location: Touch the affected area. The injury is likely a fracture if the pain is directly above the bone, but discomfort in the soft part of the ankle will indicate a sprain.
• Type of Discomfort: A sprain can cause stabbing pains, especially when applying pressure. On the other hand, a fracture will often feel numb and tingly.
• Ankle's Appearance: Both injuries cause swelling, so observe the affected area. A fracture can cause the bone to protrude to the side, leading to a twisted ankle.

If you experience an ankle injury, visit Orthopedic Associates of Hawaii. Based in Honolulu, their highly trained physicians have provided top-of-the-line orthopedic care for patients on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. Whether you need a complete ankle replacement or physical therapy to restore and strengthen your body, they will help you get back to your favorite activities. Learn more about their services online, and schedule an appointment by calling (808) 536-2261 today.