/assets/images/provider/photos/2756036.jpeg)
Break or Sprain? Only an X-Ray Can Tell for Sure
Whether you're an athlete, an outdoor enthusiast, or you simply found yourself walking on an uneven surface, ankle injuries are incredibly common. And when you turn your ankle and experience a sharp jolt of pain, it’s not always easy to tell if it’s a sprain or something else.
Both breaks and sprains can cause swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. The only way to know what’s causing your pain for sure is to get an X-ray, and Memorial Springs ER makes it easy to get the care you need. We’re open 24 hours a day, and we specialize in urgent care in Spring, Texas. If you hurt your ankle, here’s what to do next.
Understanding the symptoms of a break versus a sprain
Both fractures and sprains share many of the same symptoms, but there are some key differences that can help clue you in on the severity of your injury.
Symptoms of a sprained ankle
A sprain happens when the ligaments that connect your bones to each other are stretched or torn. The most common symptoms of a sprained ankle are:
- Pain, especially when bearing weight
- Swelling and tenderness around your ankle
- Bruising that can spread to your foot
- Limited range of motion
- A feeling of instability when trying to walk
Symptoms of a broken ankle (ankle fracture)
A fracture happens when there’s a break in one or more of the bones in your ankle. Symptoms of a broken ankle can include:
- Severe pain that worsens with movement
- Immediate, intense swelling
- Visible deformity (your ankle may look out of place or bent)
- Bruising and tenderness over the bone
- Inability to put weight on the injured foot
- A "popping" or cracking sound at the time of injury
Both ankle sprains and fractures can cause considerable pain, swelling, and bruising — and when the symptoms are so similar, it can be hard to know what you have. That’s why an X-ray is essential for a proper diagnosis.
Why get an X-ray for ankle pain?
If you’ve injured your ankle and you’re experiencing significant pain, seek medical attention, even if you think it’s “just a sprain.” Without proper diagnosis and treatment, both sprains and fractures can lead to long-term issues, including chronic pain, joint instability, and delayed healing.
At Memorial Springs ER, we have on-site X-ray services to quickly and accurately assess your injury. An X-ray provides a detailed image of the bones in your ankle, helping us determine whether your injury is a sprain or a fracture. Once we have the correct diagnosis, we can create a personalized treatment plan to help you start healing as quickly as possible.
The treatment for an ankle sprain typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with bracing or physical therapy, if needed. Fractures, on the other hand, may require immobilization with a cast or boot, and, in some cases, surgery.
Regardless of your diagnosis, getting an X-ray is one of the best ways to make sure you receive the right care for your specific injury. With a treatment plan designed for you, you’ll be on your way to a full recovery and a stronger, more stable ankle.
Don’t ignore ankle pain. If you’re unsure whether you’ve sprained or broken your ankle, visit Memorial Springs ER for an X-ray and evaluation. The sooner you get answers, the sooner you can start healing. Call us at 346-899-6737, or book an appointment online to get started.