Each year in the US, over a million people visit the emergency room. The most common injury? Sprains and Fractures. Often times, without an x-ray, the two may be difficult to distinguish one from the other. A fracture refers to to a break in or or more of the ankle bones, such as the calcaneus, tibia, talus, or fibula. A sprain refers an injury to the ligaments due to over-stretching beyond their normal and supportable range of motion. Both can be quite painful, and can occur from a sports injury, fall, walking / running on an uneven surface, or even just a "mis-step".
Ankle Sprain
These can vary dramatically from levels of pain, swelling and severity, and commonly occur in athletes. The more common symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on it. If you feel that you have a sprain, try the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Should the symptoms continue or get worse after a day or two, seek medical attention. If a sprain is severe enough, a patient may require Rehab Therapy to get the ankle properly and more quickly healed.
These can vary dramatically from levels of pain, swelling and severity, and commonly occur in athletes. The more common symptoms include sudden pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on it. If you feel that you have a sprain, try the RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). Should the symptoms continue or get worse after a day or two, seek medical attention. If a sprain is severe enough, a patient may require Rehab Therapy to get the ankle properly and more quickly healed.
Ankle Fracture
These can appear very similar to a sprain, and are a very common type of sports injury - whether contact or otherwise. Unlike a sprain, a broken ankle always requires professional medical attention. If after a day or two, and the application of the RICE treatment, the pain and/or swelling does not subside, seek medical attention. If after the initial injury, the ankle appears numb, weak, decreased circulation, or deformation, visit a doctor immediately.
These can appear very similar to a sprain, and are a very common type of sports injury - whether contact or otherwise. Unlike a sprain, a broken ankle always requires professional medical attention. If after a day or two, and the application of the RICE treatment, the pain and/or swelling does not subside, seek medical attention. If after the initial injury, the ankle appears numb, weak, decreased circulation, or deformation, visit a doctor immediately.
How can I Tell the Difference?
With sprains and breaks often having similar symptoms, it's difficult to tell the difference between the two. However, there are tell-tell signs. One of the biggest indicators is if you heard a "cracking" or "popping" sound at the time of the injury, which could be the sound of a break. Additionally, a break could have occurred f the ankle appears to be crooked or deformed or have numbness. If you cannot put weight on it and extreme pain could also indicate a break rather than a sprain. Make sure you visit your doctor and get the needed x-rays.
Risk Reduction
Although one can never guarantee the prevention of injury during physical activities, one can reduce the risk. I all starts with a good diet that ensure sufficient vitamins and minerals. Buy good quality shoes for which ever sport you are involved with. Maintain good physical health. Lastly, ensure a good warmup before any exercise or physical activity. Properly take care of any sports injury to quickly get back to doing what you love most.
Although one can never guarantee the prevention of injury during physical activities, one can reduce the risk. I all starts with a good diet that ensure sufficient vitamins and minerals. Buy good quality shoes for which ever sport you are involved with. Maintain good physical health. Lastly, ensure a good warmup before any exercise or physical activity. Properly take care of any sports injury to quickly get back to doing what you love most.
Remember to live life to its Fullest
Remember to live life to its Fullest
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Disclaimer: This information is provided as an educational service, and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Anyone seeking seeking specific medical advice or assistance should consult his or her doctor or orthopedic surgeon.
