Is it sprained or broken? 5 signs to tell the difference between an ankle sprain and fracture

Stepping off a curb, missing a step in your stairwell or slipping on an icy sidewalk — ankle injuries can happen in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you’re left wondering, Is my ankle sprained or broken? If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone. At KC Rehab, we’re experienced in treating people recovering from ankle injuries and other musculoskeletal needs. In this article, we’ll break down the signs of ankle sprains and fractures and explain what to do next.

How to identify a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle

A sprain occurs when ligaments — the tissue that connects your ankle bones and helps stabilize the joint — stretch too far or tear. A fracture, on the other hand, is a crack or break in one of the bones. Both injuries can cause pain, swelling and bruising, which is why it’s not always easy to tell them apart. The following signs may help you better understand what’s going on.

Sign 1: How your ankle injury happened

How you injured your ankle can offer helpful clues. Sprains typically occur when you suddenly roll your ankle inward or outward. A more direct impact, such as a fall or collision, may be more likely to cause a fracture. That said, if you have a condition like osteoporosis, even a low-impact injury could increase your risk of a broken bone.

Sign 2: Joint deformity or misalignment

Take a look at your ankle. Do you notice a visible lump or an unusual angle? These signs may indicate a fracture. While a sprain often causes swelling, a break may result in more noticeable deformity. In some cases, part of the bone may break through the skin, which is typically a clear sign of a fracture.

Sign 3: Pain intensity levels

Consider how your ankle feels. A sprained ankle is often sore and tender, but the pain associated with a fracture is usually sharper and more intense. This sudden, throbbing pain may point to a more serious ankle injury.

Sign 4: Sounds and sensations during injury

Sounds alone aren’t a reliable way to diagnose an injury, but they may offer insight into what happened. Some people report hearing a clear “crack” or “snap” when a bone breaks. With a sprain, you may notice more of a popping or tearing sensation as the ligament stretches or tears.

Sign 5: Your ankle’s ability to bear weight

How well you’re able to walk may also provide clues. Walking on a sprained ankle is often uncomfortable but still possible. With a fracture, bearing weight is typically much more painful and, in some cases, not possible at all.

What to do after you hurt an ankle

Because ankle injuries aren’t always straightforward, it’s important to visit a health care provider for evaluation. They can assess your injury and recommend a treatment plan to support your recovery. Whether your ankle is sprained or broken, physical therapy may help you get back on your feet. Rehabilitation goals often include:

• Decreasing ankle pain and swelling

• Improving flexibility and balance

• Strengthening supporting muscles

• Increasing your ankle’s load-bearing capacity

• Improving endurance

• Restoring agility

• Normalizing your gait pattern

Physical therapists specialize in musculoskeletal injuries and develop treatment plans tailored to your injury, activity level and lifestyle. They may also recommend an at-home exercise program to help reduce the risk of future injuries, which many athletes find helpful when returning to sports or training.

Visit KC Rehab for ankle injuries

Even with caution, ankle injuries can happen, and it’s not always easy to tell a sprain from a fracture right away. Paying attention to key signs can help guide your next steps. If you’re unsure or your symptoms feel severe, professional evaluation is often the safest choice.

At KC Rehab, our experienced physical therapists can assess your ankle, develop a personalized treatment plan and guide you through the recovery process. With clinics located throughout the Kansas City area, finding an ankle rehabilitation specialist near you is convenient.

Get in touch with our team today for more information or to schedule an appointment.