How do you know if you sprained or broken your ankle?

Question

I just went out and was running in the rain and slipped in a puddle, I think I twisted it and I didn't hear it click, I put some cream on it and can walk-ish but not run etc....

How can you tell if it's broken, sprained, twisted?

Answer 1

Sounds like a light sprain if you can still put your weight on it

Answer 2

Well, recently I was running and I slipped on a pillow and I fell. I pulled my tendon and I had to get a 'Sheath Tuck' (folded the tissue around it) and I had to get surgery 2 days ago. Be really careful with these types of injuries, especially ankles.

.:*:.My Symptoms.:*:.

1. Hurt no matter what I did. Up or down.

2. Throbbing pain.

3. Swollen.

4. Bruised

.:*:.Treatment for Sprains.:*:.

1. Ice

2. Elevate

3. Take Tylenol Extra Strength every 4 hours

Good Luck!!

-Meghan

Answer 3

I think that you have a badly sprained ankle but if in doubht go and see your doctor and see what he has to say,if it is a bad sprain you will have to rest it for 10 days i done exactly the same thing jogging and had to rest it.

Answer 4

There are a few tests that you can perform that can give you some indication of a fracture (fx) or not. First test... find the outside ankle bone (lateral malleolus) and try knocking on it lightly at first then increasing the force, don't wind up and whack yourself though. If pain radiates up the fibula bone there is a possibility that it is fractured. Next do the same thing at the top of the bone. You should be able to find it just below the knee joint line on the lateral side. Again if pain radiates through the fibula the there is a possibility of a fracture.

The next test is going to be a squeeze test. Place one hand on the lateral side (outside) of your lower leg and the other on the medial side (inside). Now squeeze your hands together, if there is a pain anywhere along the bone there could be a fracture.

If there is any pain along the bone with either of these tests you should consider getting an x-ray.

If there is no pain you might want to R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for a few days. However you don't want to let the ankle stiffen up on you so you should do some light range of motion exercises. Make circles clockwise and counterclockwise, or write the alphabet with your foot.

The bone in question that could be fractured has little to no weight bearing capacity. If it were fractured then you would still be able to walk a bit on it.

P.S.: FYI: Fracture is the medical term for a broken bone...there is no difference.

Answer 5

If it was broken, I very much doubt you would be able to walk on it never mind run. Why not go to the doctors if in doubt, and they will be able to give you an X-Ray.

I think it's more likely to be either sore or sprained, if it was broken you wouldn't be able to stand on it without finding it painful.