![How To Tell If My Foot Or Ankle Injury Is Bad! [ Sprained Or Broken?] | Balance Foot & Ankle](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2023/08/how-to-tell-if-my-foot-or-ankle-injury-is-bad-sprained-or-broken.avif)
Quick answer: How to tell if my foot or ankle injury is bad sprained or broken 2 the right way: 1) prepare the area properly, 2) use the correct technique demonstrated by a podiatrist, 3) avoid the common mistakes that worsen the problem. We see complications in clinic from improper home care. The full step-by-step guide below shows the right method. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
The most important clinical decision with How To Tell If My Foot Or Ankle Injury Is Bad Sprained Or Broken 2 isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Quick Answer
How To Tell If My Foot or Ankle Injury is BAD! [ Sprained or relates to foot/ankle injury — typically caused by trauma or twist. Most patients improve in 4-8 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
How To Tell If My Foot or Ankle Injury is BAD! [ Sprained or BROKEN?]
![Ankle Foot INJURY [ Foot NERVE Pain ]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/80e3e4d49ffb4acf40baf7b17d67eee6.jpg)
How To Tell If My Foot or Ankle Injury is BAD! [ Sprained or BROKEN?]
🦶How To Tell If My Foot or Ankle Injury Is Serious?🦶
Broken toes, a broken foot and a broken ankle are very common, but so is a foot sprain or an ankle sprain! We show you how to help see if your ankle injury or foot injury is a serious problem!
🦶 Full Video: https://youtu.be/2IyGHCaH0-0 🦶
Broken or sprained foot? https://youtu.be/GQO2lj7agTA
Broken or sprained ankle? https://youtu.be/13JIKMHsE0Y
Walking Boot Tips: https://youtu.be/x2DcN9ZcZLo
Medical Scooter Tips: https://youtu.be/zfTKGqyhCrk
Broken big toe or sprained big toe: https://youtu.be/CsmcXbHqnek
Stubbed or broken toe: https://youtu.be/3CVtsURcmBg
Full Plantar Fasciitis Video: https://youtu.be/2aXlnFVmIY8
Full Video: https://youtu.be/cbfQh-wjxOE
Heel Spur: https://youtu.be/2rrt4xkeBiQ
Related Videos:
Numbness, Burning, or Tingling Foot Pain: https://youtu.be/Pdp9HLH9Gsg
Fat Pad Loss: https://youtu.be/54O-B2XqJaY
Heel Nerve Pain: https://youtu.be/1ZqubXExmc4
Plantar Fasciitis: https://youtu.be/2aXlnFVmIY8
Heel Stress Fracture: https://youtu.be/GesHK7hBpJA
Tarsal Tunnel: https://youtu.be/DoqjV9VR5tA
Ankle strengthening full video: https://youtu.be/ZI0sANYDF6M
Peroneal Tendonitis Treatment: https://youtu.be/bre6SmVm108
Posterior tibial tendonitis treatment: https://youtu.be/bkiRUlAfnZo
Achilles tendonitis treatment: https://youtu.be/Y1sMEi7LNuA
Anterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment: https://youtu.be/55TGq-O8W_4
Best Arthritis Treatments: https://youtu.be/5M7ngir46yQ
Best anti inflammatory diet for arthritis and joint pain: https://youtu.be/gCjN1Rya6es
Best Supplements for joint pain and arthritis: https://youtu.be/8CVHgrf-FLQ
Stiff big toe joint: https://youtu.be/nfyY_8n5B8s
Plantar fasciitis treatment: https://youtu.be/2aXlnFVmIY8
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DISCLAIMER:
Dr. Tomasz Biernacki received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine in 2013; he completed his Surgical Reconstructive Foot Surgery & Podiatric Medicine Residency in 2017; he completed 2x traveling Fellowships in Diabetic Surgery, Skin Grafting & Nerve Surgery. He is double board certified in Podiatric Medicine and Foot & Ankle Surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a licensed podiatrist & surgeon in Michigan. This video should not be used to self-diagnose and is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, prescription, or recommendation. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Biernacki and you. It would be best to not change your health regimen or diet before consulting a physician and obtaining a medical exam & diagnosis. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
At Balance Foot & Ankle, every Michigan patient receives expert podiatric care delivered with genuine attention to their individual needs and goals. Our podiatrists take time to explain diagnoses clearly, discuss all treatment options honestly, and follow up to ensure treatments are working effectively. We serve patients from Livingston and Oakland counties and the broader Southeast Michigan region from our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River and our Bloomfield Township office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208. New patients are always welcome — call (810) 206-1402 to schedule today.
Michigan patients can count on Balance Foot & Ankle for the full range of podiatric services delivered with clinical excellence and genuine patient care. Whether your concern is a common foot condition that has been bothering you for years or an acute injury that needs prompt attention, our team in Howell and Bloomfield Township is ready to help. We offer in-office diagnostics, evidence-based conservative treatment, and surgical correction when needed — all within a practice that values your time, respects your preferences, and communicates clearly throughout the care process. Call us at (810) 206-1402 to take the first step toward better foot health.
Our podiatric team brings decades of combined clinical experience to every patient encounter. We stay current with the latest evidence in podiatric medicine and surgery, applying emerging treatments — including EPAT shockwave therapy, MLS laser, PRP injection, and minimally invasive surgical techniques — where the evidence supports their use for specific conditions. Michigan patients can trust that the treatment recommendations they receive at Balance Foot & Ankle reflect the current standard of care, not outdated approaches. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Township office.
Related Treatment Guides
- Ankle Sprain Treatment
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
Insurance questions are easy to address before you schedule — call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 and our insurance team will verify your specific plan’s coverage for the services you need. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Priority Health, HAP, and Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Our verification process identifies your copay, deductible status, and any prior authorization requirements in advance, so you can make an informed scheduling decision. Both our Howell and Bloomfield Township locations offer convenient daytime and early morning appointment times to fit busy schedules.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
Get Directions →
Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Get Directions →
Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
When to See a Podiatrist
A sprain that hasn’t fully recovered after 6 weeks often has residual ligament laxity or occult fracture that keeps the ankle unstable. Balance Foot & Ankle X-rays and stress-tests every lingering sprain — if the ligament is torn, we offer bracing, PRP, and (for chronic instability) minimally-invasive repair. Don’t keep re-rolling the same ankle; let us stabilize it properly.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
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