Ankle injuries are very common, particularly among people who do lots of sports. A sudden slip, knock or fall or awkward twist can result in a painful, swollen ankle too. But how can you tell if your ankle is sprained or broken?

Is my ankle sprained or broken?

While it’s tempting to try and self-diagnose, you can’t always tell whether your ankle is sprained or broken simply by how it looks and feels. Generally, breaks and fractures tend to cause more acute pain than sprains – but this isn’t always the case, particularly with severe ankle sprains. The symptoms can be very similar, including swelling and severe pain which means you are unable to put any weight on your foot. There may also be bruising all around the foot and ankle.

The only way to know for sure is to have the injury professionally assessed and X-rayed. If there is any concern that your ankle might be broken, it’s a good idea to seek help immediately. It’s important that broken bones are treated appropriately and quickly. You may also need to rule out the possibility of a ligament tear or rupture.

What should I do if it’s just sprained?

Even if your ankle isn’t broken, it’s important to manage sprains appropriately. In the first instance, following the RICE rule is usually a good idea. This means:

R: Rest – take it easy and avoid putting too much weight or pressure on the affected foot.

I: Ice – an ice pack gently applied to the affected area can help relieve pain and swelling.

C: Compression – wrapping a bandage or sports compression sleeve around the ankle can help keep it supported while it heals.

E: Elevate – keeping the affected foot raised can also help it heal and reduce swelling.

Over-the-counter painkillers and muscle gels may also help. Your pharmacist can advise on this if you are unsure what it suitable.

How long will it take to get better?

Most sprains will get better within a few weeks. If symptoms persist for longer, it’s a good idea to seek professional advice. It’s also important not to put too much pressure on the foot, or risk straining it further until it’s completely healed. This might mean avoiding sports and strenuous exercise for a while, and using an ankle or foot support.

If you are concerned, a physiotherapist can assess the problem and advise on how to return to your full range of activities safely. They may also be able to suggest rehab exercises to help strengthen the foot and ankle to help prevent further strains and sprains.

Ravenscroft Health can assess and treat a wide range of orthopaedic injuries and sports injuries. For further information, get in touch with us on 020 8427 0808