Ankle injuries are very common because of the amount of strain we put on them each and every day. Deciphering between a break and sprain in the ankle can be somewhat tricky but can definitely be done. They have similar symptoms, but also distinct differences between them. The treatment and severity of these injuries are also very different. It is important to see a doctor if you believe you has sustained any type of injury to the ankle.
Broken Ankle Overview
1. Basics
A broken ankle, also referred to as an ankle fracture, is when one or more of the bones that make up the ankle are broken. The break can range from a simple break in just one bone or multiple breaks in various parts of the ankle. The severity of the injury, recovery time, and treatment options all vary depending on the type of break the ankle has sustained.
2. Anatomy
The ankle is made up of three different bones that all come together to form the ankle joint. The shinbone (tibia), fibula, and talus are the basic bones. Each of these have some smaller portions attached to them including the medial malleolus, posterior malleolus, and lateral malleolus. All of these parts make up the ankle.
3. Symptoms
The symptoms that are involved with a broken ankle can be very painful. They include bruising, difficulty or inability to bear weight or walk, tenderness, swelling, throbbing pain, and difficulty getting your shoe on or off. In same cases a “snap” is heard at the time of injury, but this is not always a sure sign of a break.
4. Treatment
If the bone is not out of place, or is just barely out of its place, then surgery is most likely not required. This is because the ankle is still stable. In this case a short leg cast may be used in order to protect the bone while it heals. If you have multiple fractures or your ankle is unstable than surgery may be required to put the bone back in its original alignment. Special screws are used in this surgery. Pain medications are often prescribed to help manage the amount of discomfort.
5. Causes
Fractures in the ankle are fairly common injuries. They can be sustained in many different ways but some of the most common are car accidents, heavy weight impact such as dropping something on your ankle, missing steps, falling, or a high jump landing.
All About Sprained Ankles
1. Overview
An ankle sprain is when the ankle is moved in an unnatural or awkward way that damages the ligaments holding the ankle bones together. This can happen in many different ways and be quite uncomfortable.
2. Ligaments
Ligaments are bands of very tough tissue that hold bones in our body together. They stabilize our joints and help to prevent excessive movement from normal activity. When these ligaments are stretched beyond their limit or range of motion they can tear or overly stretch. This results in a sprain.
3. Symptoms
The symptoms that are associated with a sprained ankle include pain when you bear weight, swelling, and a restricted range of motion in the ankle. In some severe sprains bruising around the ankle may be present.
4. Treatment
Treatment for sprained ankles can often happen at home. Over the counter pain relievers, keeping weight off of the injured ankle, and applying ice may be all that is necessary. In more severe cases crutches may be necessary to aid with walking. Physical therapy can also help to restore the range of motion in the ankle after the sprain has healed.
Differences Between A Broken and Sprained Ankle
1. Type of Injury
A break and a sprain in the ankle are different in one major way, the type of injury. A break in the ankle involves a fracture of one or multiple bones, which is a common but somewhat serious injury. A sprain only involves injury to the ligaments in the ankle, and not the bone’s themselves.
2. Symptoms
If you have a break in your ankle bruising and throbbing pain are often present. Also the inability to bear weight at all. With a sprained ankle bruising rarely occurs, and is only painful when weight is put on the ankle. Breaks may also cause a visible deformity in the shape of the ankle.
3. Treatment
An ankle break always requires medical treatment to insure that the bones heal themselves in the correct position. In more severe cases surgery is often required. Ankle sprain however can usually be treated at home with over the counter medicines to manage pain.