How To Tell If Sprained Foot Or Broken Foot [Sprained Ankle Vs Broken] | Balance Foot & Ankle

How to tell if sprained foot or broken foot [Sprained ankle vs broken]

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy

In This Article

  1. Quick Answer
  2. Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
  3. More Podiatrist-Recommended Ankle Sprain Essentials
  4. In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
  5. Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
  6. Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care

Plantar Fasciitis

Most common foot condition we treat

Bunions

Progressive deformity — early care prevents surgery

Flat Feet

Root cause of many downstream foot conditions

Morton’s Neuroma

Forefoot burning and electric pain between toes

Quick Answer

How to tell if sprained foot or broken foot [Sprained ankle relates to foot/ankle injury — typically caused by trauma or twist. Most patients improve in 4-8 weeks with conservative care. Appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township: (810) 206-1402.

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Watch: Dr. Tom Biernacki explains the topic in detail · Subscribe to Michigan Foot Doctors on YouTube

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

How to tell if sprained foot or broken foot [Sprained ankle vs broken]

How to tell if sprained foot or broken foot [Sprained ankle vs broken]

We review: Sprained ankle vs broken ankle, broken ankle vs sprained ankle, sprained vs broken ankle, sprained big toe vs broken big toe, sprained foot vs broken foot? Full Video: https://youtu.be/GQO2lj7agTA 🦶

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.

Related Treatment Guides

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.

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Book online 24/7 at either office.

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(810) 206-1402

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

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced treatment options — including Foot & Ankle Fracture Repair Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Township clinics.

Book online 24/7. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care

Advantages

  • ✓ Conservative care first
  • ✓ Book online 24/7
  • ✓ Multiple insurance accepted

Considerations

  • ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
  • ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks

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Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.

Book Online 24/7

Call Now: (810) 206-1402

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Medical References
  1. Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
  2. Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
  4. Heel Pain (APMA)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.

More questions patients ask

How do I know if I sprained or broke my foot?

Clinical assessment using the Ottawa Foot Rules guides imaging decisions. Bony tenderness at the base of the 5th metatarsal or navicular combined with inability to take 4 steps indicates X-ray is needed. Balance Foot & Ankle performs on-site X-rays at our Howell and Bloomfield Township locations to definitively distinguish sprains from fractures. Call (810) 206-1402.

What is the most common bone broken in a foot injury?

The 5th metatarsal (outside of foot) is the most commonly fractured foot bone, often breaking with ankle inversion injuries when the peroneus brevis tendon pulls a fragment off the base. The metatarsal shaft (Jones fracture) and stress fractures of the navicular are also common. Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates all common foot fracture sites.

Is there a quick test to tell if a foot is broken?

The tuning fork test (applying vibration to a bone) and percussion tests can suggest fracture if pain increases at the fracture site, but X-ray remains the standard. The Ottawa Foot Rules guide which injuries require X-ray. Balance Foot & Ankle at 4330 E Grand River, Howell and 43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township uses clinical judgment combined with imaging for accurate diagnosis.

What is the treatment for a 5th metatarsal fracture?

Most avulsion fractures at the 5th metatarsal base heal with a walking boot or stiff shoe in 4–6 weeks. True Jones fractures (at the 5th metatarsal junction) have poor blood supply and often require surgery or prolonged non-weight-bearing for 6–8 weeks. Balance Foot & Ankle differentiates these fracture types and treats each appropriately.

Can I treat a suspected foot fracture at home before seeing a doctor?

Temporarily: rest, ice, elevation, and a compression bandage. Avoid walking on the injury if painful. See Balance Foot & Ankle as soon as possible — at (810) 206-1402 — for definitive X-ray diagnosis and treatment. Do not delay evaluation beyond 24–48 hours for significant foot injuries.

How long does an ankle sprain take to heal?

Grade 1: 1-3 weeks. Grade 2: 3-6 weeks. Grade 3: 6-12 weeks. Proper rehabilitation prevents chronic instability, which affects up to 40% of inadequately treated patients.

When should I see a doctor for a sprained ankle?

See a professional if you can't bear weight, notice significant swelling, heard a pop, have numbness, or pain hasn't improved after 5-7 days. Dr. Biernacki sees urgent problems. Call 810-206-1402 and we’ll find the soonest opening.

Can a sprained ankle heal without treatment?

Mild sprains may heal with rest, but undiagnosed tears frequently lead to chronic instability and early arthritis. Proper evaluation reduces long-term complication risk significantly.

Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.

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Howell

4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township

43494 Woodward Ave #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Listed as “Bloomfield Hills Office” in the scheduler.

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No times on your chosen date? Try another available date or check the other office. Need help? Call (810) 206-1402.

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Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell

4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843

Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

(810) 206-1402

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Balance Foot & Ankle — Bloomfield Township

43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302

Mon–Thu: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM

(810) 206-1402

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