Struggling with ankle pain after a fall? Wondering if it’s just a sprain or something more serious? It’s normal to hope it will just go away or heal on its own—but waiting too long can lead to more trouble.
Understanding the difference between a sprained ankle vs. broken ankle is crucial for getting the right care.
At CareWell Urgent Care, we’re here to help you get back on your feet with quick, compassionate, and accurate care close to home. Let’s start by understanding the difference between a sprained ankle vs. a broken ankle and the steps you should take for safe, effective treatment.
Sprained Ankle vs. Broken Ankle
All it takes is a single trip, fall, or quick direction change to injure, sprain, strain, or fracture your ankle. We know it can be difficult to tell the difference.
Keep reading to learn the differences between a sprained vs. broken ankle.
Sprained Ankle Symptoms
A sprain occurs when the ligaments around the ankle are stretched or torn. Symptoms can vary but often include:
- Pain, especially when putting weight on the affected foot
- Tenderness when touching the injured ankle
- Swelling and bruising
- Restricted range of motion
- Instability
- Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury
If you believe you’ve suffered a mild to moderate sprain and at-home RICE (e.g., rest, ice, compression, and elevation) treatments aren’t helping after 24-48 hours, visit CareWell Urgent Care. We’ll provide a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment.
Broken Ankle Symptoms
A broken ankle usually involves more severe symptoms, including the following:
- Intense pain and an inability to put weight on your affected foot
- Immediate throbbing pain at the time of injury
- Significant swelling and bruising
- Tenderness when touching the injured ankle
- Deformity or misalignment of the ankle
If your ankle has an obvious deformity or misalignment, visit CareWell Urgent Care immediately. Our providers are available on-site and skilled in diagnosing and treating broken ankles.
Note: If your broken ankle requires a higher level of care, we will arrange your transportation to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Sprained Ankle Treatment
When at-home RICE care isn’t enough, visit an urgent care healthcare provider for a comprehensive medical evaluation. They can assess the severity of the sprain, rule out a fracture, and provide personalized treatment.
Treatment options include:
- Imaging
As part of the medical evaluation, your provider may order an X-ray or refer to orthopedics for advanced imaging if needed. - Stabilization
Next, you will likely be fitted with a brace, splint, or compression wrapping to keep the ankle stable and help prevent further injury. If needed, you may also be given crutches to help you avoid placing weight on the sprained ankle while it heals. - Rehabilitation
Depending on the severity of the injury, you provider may also place a physical therapy referral if needed. - Follow-up care
We also recommend following up with your primary care provider to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Broken Ankle Treatment
If you believe you have broken your ankle, immobilize the ankle to prevent movement and go to your nearest urgent care clinic for personalized treatment, which will typically include:
- Physical evaluation
Your provider will visually evaluate the ankle and recommend the next steps. - Imaging
Your CareWell provider may order an on-site X-ray or refer to orthopedics for advanced imaging if needed., - Stabilization
Your ankle may then splinted or braced to immobilize the ankle and promote healing. If imaging diagnoses a complex fracture or bone displacement, you will be transferred to the nearest emergency room or hospital for continued treatment. - Pain management
Your urgent care provider will likely recommend over-the-counter pain relievers. - Rehabilitation
A follow-up physical therapy program is often ordered to help restore your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. - Follow-up care
We also recommend following up with your primary care provider to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Whether you’re suffering an ankle sprain vs fracture, visit CareWell Urgent Care for exceptional care and treatment.
We can quickly diagnose your ankle pain and get you the care you need so you can start healing today.
Expert Ankle Care in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
We specialize in providing expert care for all types of injuries, including urgent care for broken ankles, sprained ankles, and more. When you need urgent care for a sprained ankle, visit one of our convenient locations in Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
Make our clinics your first choice for health, well-being, and recovery.
