27/10/2021
⚠️Ankle Sprain vs Ankle Fracture
Your ankle is a complex joint comprised of ligaments, tendons, and three main bones: your talus, your fibula, and your tibia. These elements work together to help you move, and even a slight displacement in the joint can result in pressure or pain.
Both ankle sprains and fractures result from similar activities, such as tripping, falling, or twisting, and occur when the ankle is stressed at an angle. The difference is that sprains result when there is damage to the ligament, whereas ankle fractures require a break in the bone.
A sprained ankle is an injury to the ligaments of your ankle. Ligaments are dense pieces of connective tissue that hold your ankle bones together and help stabilize your joint.
Sprains usually occur when you suddenly twist your foot and overstretch your ligaments. Most often, the ligaments in the outer part of the foot get sprained. It’s less common to sprain your inner ligaments.
🔴Some potential causes of a sprained ankle include:
➡️walking or running on an uneven surface
➡️landing on the side of your foot when running, jumping, or pivoting
➡️twisting your ankle while falling
➡️rolling your ankle while walking or running
➡️having somebody land on your foot while playing sports
🔴Grades
🔑Grade 1 sprain. One or more ligament is overstretched but not torn. You’ll likely be able to move your foot normally after a few days, and it will likely heal within 2 weeks.
🔑Grade 2 sprain. A ligament is partially torn and your doctor may be able to feel instability when they move your ankle. It may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal.
🔑Grade 3 sprain. The ligament is completely torn. It may take 3 to 6 months or longer to regain full strength and mobility.
🔴How can I tell if it’s a sprain or fracture?
Both sprains and fractures can cause pain, swelling, and bruising. In addition, it may be difficult to put weight on your injured foot with both ankle sprains and ankle fractures.
Here are some symptoms to consider when trying to figure out if your ankle injury is a sprain or fracture:
🔴Signs of an ankle sprain
➡️Ability to bear weight on your ankle (either immediately or after several hours)
➡️Mild-to-moderate pain
➡️Ankle instability
➡️Some swelling and bruising
🔴Signs of an ankle fracture
➡️Inability to bear weight on your ankle (both immediately and after several hours/days)
➡️Moderate-to-severe pain upon injury, sometimes with numbness
➡️Swelling and bruising are typically immediate and obvious
➡️Deformity of the ankle
🔴Treatment for a sprained ankle
➡️reduce pain and swelling
➡️restore your full range of motion
➡️return your ankle to full strength
For the first few days, you can follow the RICE method to reduce swelling:
➡️Rest. Stay off your feet as much as possible.
➡️Ice. Ice your foot for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
➡️Compression. Wear an elastic bandage that provides compression around the injured area.
➡️Elevation. Elevate your foot above the level of your heart when you’re resting.
🔴Treatment for a broken ankle
With a broken ankle, your treatment plan will vary based on the location and severity of your fracture. Generally, it may include:
➡️Immobilization. You’ll likely need to wear a protective boot or cast to give your bone time to heal.
➡️Closed reduction. Your doctor may need to insert pins through your skin to realign the two ends of your bones if you have a displaced fracture.
➡️Surgery. More severe breaks may need surgery to ensure your ankle bones stay aligned during the healing process.
➡️Physical therapy. Once your bone is healed, a physical therapist can give you a customized stretching and exercise
