Signs of Broken Ankle Vs Sprained Ankle: Diagnosis & Treatment!
Signs of Broken Ankle Vs Sprained Ankle: Follow this diagnosis guide to find out if your ankle is most likely broken or swollen.
Signs Of A Broken Ankle:
A Broken Ankle Usually Includes Trauma:
- A suddenly twisted or bent ankle.
- Tripping or falling over something.
- Severe impact such as a fall.
- Trauma experience in a car accident.
- Even an awkward step down the stairs can cause it.
Symptoms of a broken ankle:
- Severe pain.
- Ankle swelling to the injured area.
- Bruising & purple skin.
- Very tender region.
- Inability to put weight on the ankle.
- Possible deformity to the area.
A Broken Ankle Vs Sprained Ankle:
1)Sprained Ankle:
Ankle Sprain symptoms:
- Pain, mostly on the outside.
- Swelling & redness.
- Increase in fluid within the area.
- Decrease in joint mobility.
- Still can have swelling sometimes.
How long does an ankle sprain last?
- Most ankle injuries heal in about 1-2 weeks at most.
- There a types of ankle sprains that cause cause rupture of the ligaments.
- These injuries may need surgery & may take 2-3 months to heal.
- But in 90%+ of cases, you should start feeling better after a few days.
- This is especially true if you use anti-inflammation treatment protocols.
Ankle Sprain:
If it does seem like you have a sprained ankle rather than a broken ankle: Follow this guide to find out exactly how long your ankle treatment will take.
Keys to ankle sprain treatment include:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Inflammation.
- Protection.
- Physiotherapy.
- X-ray, CT, MRI or nuclear imaging of the joint.
There are three grades sprained ankles:
- Make sure to see your podiatrist most of all to make sure that you are not missing anything, don’t take advice on something so serious from someone online!
- Grade 1 sprained ankle is something that requires probably 1 to 2 days of rest, ice, compression and elevation, at this point you still want to be protected with a good supportive shoe, and lace up ankle brace for about 1-2 weeks.
- A grade 2 sprained ankle requires around 3 to 5 days of rest, ice, compression and elevation. And you still want to get a good supportive shoe and lace ankle brace for probably around the next 2 to 6 weeks.
- A grade 3 sprained ankle will require 5 to 7 or more days of rest, ice, compression and elevation. You probably do have to take a break from sports at this time. And you want to get a good supportive shoe and lace up ankle brace for probably even over six weeks up to three months. Next paragraph for grade 3 ankle sprain probably wanted to go see your podiatrist and get this, evaluate, you probably do need x-rays and probably even an MRI to make sure that you do not have any further damage.
2) Broken Ankle:
It is very difficult to tell the difference between a sprained ankle & a broken ankle. But these signs might make diagnosis more likely:
- Gross deformity.
- Dislocation of the ankle.
- Difficulty moving the ankle.
- Cracking or snapping noise during the injury.
- More severe trauma: large fall or motor vehicle injury.
Broken Ankle Vs Sprained Ankle Prediction:
The Ottawa Ankle Rules are a system designed to predict if someone is more likely to have an ankle injury or a sprained ankle:
A broken ankle is more likely if:
1)Pain in the tibia 6 cm within the ankle.
- Two bones make up your leg.
- The tibia is the inside & the fibula is the outside of the leg.
- The tibia is the major weight bearing bone.
2)Pain in the fibula 6 cm within the ankle.
- The fibula is the outside of your leg.
- It makes the outside boney part of your ankle.
- If pushing against it hurts, it may be an ankle fracture.
- **The soft area below the edge of the bone will hurt in a ankle sprain, but not the bone itself!**
3) You cannot stand on the ankle.
- If you cannot bear weight, this is more likely a fracture.
- Especially a couple days later if you have been icing & elevating the leg.
4)Tenderness on the outside bone of your foot.
- If the middle outside bone of your foot (5th metatarsal) is hurting, you may have a jones fracture.
- This is not a broken ankle, but can be just as serious.
- The 5th metatarsal is a weight bearing bone & if broken can take a very long time to heal.
5)Tenderness when you press on top of the foot (less likely):
- The bones in the middle of your foot may be broken.
- But this is much more unlikely.
6) Unable to bear weight on your foot after a couple days.
- Especially if you have been icing , elevating & taking anti-inflammatories.
- Just like not being able to put ankle, this also happens with your foot!
Broken Ankle Home Treatment Options:
There are 5 essential things that you may need to help you with your broken ankle recovery time!
The five essential things include the number one most important:
- You do have to see your podiatrist and foot specialist to diagnose your broken ankle! We cannot do this for you as an online service. If you have dark bruising and swelling, there is a good chance that you may be having a problem.
- So important tip number one is go see your podiatrist for your broken ankle or your broken foot to make sure.
- Stuff that we can help you with is provide you some more cost-effective alternatives for some products.
- Things that you will need are most likely a rolling the scooter to stay off your foot for long period of time, he probably will need either a cast or a fracture boot.
- You will probably need a cast protectorate avoid getting it wet so you don’t smell, and that your significant other doesn’t leave you.
- And most likely you will also need a cast elevator to keep your foot elevated so that it does not swell extensively.
Phase 1 of your broken ankle recovery:
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can't fit in more snug shoes.
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it's job.
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" I have never used a better brace and would highly recommend this over anything else on the market. Is it more expensive than the others? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Absolutely!"
"THIS IS THE BEST ANKLE BRACE ON THE MARKET. Steph "Chef" Curry rocks these bad boys. Google some of his in game photos and you'll see him usually wearing them in white."
"If this is put on correctly, it works really well and even supplies good arch support. The straps can be a little confusing at first, but it's important to get the hang of it. The lacing and unlacing seemed annoyingly time consuming at first, but I realized that it had become second nature in only three or four days."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
The Best Overall Brace For Fit & Support.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Amazing brace, best fit and support combination: If you can afford it.
Pros:
Amazing brace. Best reviews and best fit. This is the Ferrari of braces if you can afford it.
Cons:
The only downside besides cost, is complexity. This brace must be left or right. Not interchangeable. It is also for post-injury situations and good support. Not for compression!
Important Tips:
Make sure to choose left vs. right. This is a high level brace mean specifically for injury support. This is not for compression or non-injury situations. It will be too tight.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
" I have never used a better brace and would highly recommend this over anything else on the market. Is it more expensive than the others? Absolutely. Is it worth it? Absolutely!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Most Supportive Premium Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This is the best brace for pure support, but it can't fit in more snug shoes.
Pros:
This is a very highly rated, great reviewed brace. The support and stability is top notch for athletics. Very durable and does it's job.
Cons:
The brace may be a little too big for a more snug shoe. This requires some room to fit and would be the main complaint. Hard interface along the padding.
Important Tips:
This is a fantastic and supportive brace. Just make sure that your shoe will have some room for it to fit. Most good running shoes should let it fit.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"THIS IS THE BEST ANKLE BRACE ON THE MARKET. Steph "Chef" Curry rocks these bad boys. Google some of his in game photos and you'll see him usually wearing them in white."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Ankle Stability Braces (Not for Compression):
Best Budge Supportive Brace.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Outstanding brace for the price point. This is a figure 8 strap with laces, soft interface.
Pros:
Amazing reviews with proven track record. This is very soft and supportive in your shoe.
Cons:
The main downside is the durability and the ability for the material to give out. Great at first but maybe 3-4 months of continuous use prior to failure.
Important Tips:
This is an excellent starter brace if you have never had a brace before. It is a little longer to put with the straps and laces.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"If this is put on correctly, it works really well and even supplies good arch support. The straps can be a little confusing at first, but it's important to get the hang of it. The lacing and unlacing seemed annoyingly time consuming at first, but I realized that it had become second nature in only three or four days."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Phase 2 of your broken ankle recovery:
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Best Pure Compression & Slim Fit Ankle Support
Price:
$104.00
Price not available
Price not available
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace - Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Focused on great fit and excellent overall compression. Little focus on support.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Excellent reviewmost 2,000 5 star reviews. Great fit into almost any type of shoe. Very Slim, very cost effective.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn't do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Does not really provide stability. It still likely is not thin enough for a dress shoe or a dress heel combined with a sock.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don't use this for an acute sprain or injury.
This is excellent for what it does. Which is simple compression with minimal support. This would be great with an orthotic and running shoe in a non-acute/severe injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"You will not go wrong forking over the money for this. I tried at least 6 different braces before buying this. All either had very little support and fell apart when washed, or lost stretch completely. This brace is the only one I’ll buy."
"Unlike a typical ankle brace, this wrap works like a brace with the abilty, based on how you wrap your ankle, to put direct pressure on the area were you need the most support. After wearing the wrap for a week straight, my ankle pain has been substantially reduced."
"So far, this has been outstanding. It's tight enough to stay secure and provide the necessary stability, while thin enough to wear with dress shoes. The quality is outstanding."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Premium Brace (Support & Compression)
Price:
$104.00
Overview:
This is The Top Level Brace - Does Compression, Support & Great Fit.
Pros:
Excellent brace: Best overall mix of compression & support, and it still fits in most shoes! If you have a chronic injury and need to wear normal shoes => This is the BEST CHOICE.
Cons:
Expensive. It doesn't do any single thing the best. There are cheaper and more supportive braces, there are cheaper and more compressive braces. But no braces combine the two and still fit in a shoe.
Important Tips:
This is a high durability brace for everyday use. If you have chronic arthritis or pain with a high need for activity, this is your brace to use! **Gel inside seems to deteriorate after daily washing at about 1 year old**
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"You will not go wrong forking over the money for this. I tried at least 6 different braces before buying this. All either had very little support and fell apart when washed, or lost stretch completely. This brace is the only one I’ll buy."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Budget Brace With Some Compression & Some Support.
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
This brace attempts mild compression and mild support.
Pros:
Good rating at 4.3 with 2,000 reviews. It is cost effective and gives some support with some compression. Does both ok, but excellent when price is factored in.
Cons:
Does not really do anything well. Weak support and not the best compression. Meant as an assist for chronic pain and low activity. Not for an acute injury.
Important Tips:
This is mean for lower activity and better fit than a true supportive brace. Don't use this for an acute sprain or injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Unlike a typical ankle brace, this wrap works like a brace with the abilty, based on how you wrap your ankle, to put direct pressure on the area were you need the most support. After wearing the wrap for a week straight, my ankle pain has been substantially reduced."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Heel & Ankle Compression For Pain Relief:
Best Pure Compression & Slim Fit Ankle Support
Price:
Price not available
Overview:
Focused on great fit and excellent overall compression. Little focus on support.
Pros:
Excellent reviewmost 2,000 5 star reviews. Great fit into almost any type of shoe. Very Slim, very cost effective.
Cons:
Does not really provide stability. It still likely is not thin enough for a dress shoe or a dress heel combined with a sock.
Important Tips:
This is excellent for what it does. Which is simple compression with minimal support. This would be great with an orthotic and running shoe in a non-acute/severe injury.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"So far, this has been outstanding. It's tight enough to stay secure and provide the necessary stability, while thin enough to wear with dress shoes. The quality is outstanding."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Pain treatment options for a broken or sprained ankle:
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$22.59
$18.05
$121.38
$29.99
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Like I stated earlier, I am a huge fan of this product and I will happily buy this product again. I'm so glad I finally found it online (lol), rather than having to make a trip to the pharmacy."
"The main ingredient is menthol and the cool sensation is long lasting. You have to try this product. Trust me, I've tried them all and there's no comparison!"
"This stuff is GREAT! Value sized!!"
"The cream helps with my nerve pain for several hours , giving me relief on the job. It doesn't take much , I use very little , it goes along way, as long as it is rubbed in properly. I will definitely be purchasing this again. I also gave to a friend that has fibromyalgia, she said it helped with her aches and pains to relieve pressure for a few hours. This is definitely a 5 star purchase."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.
Price:
$22.59
Overview:
The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel
Pros:
Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Cons:
Don't put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn't prevent pain, just helps it.
Important Tips:
Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"Like I stated earlier, I am a huge fan of this product and I will happily buy this product again. I'm so glad I finally found it online (lol), rather than having to make a trip to the pharmacy."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.
Price:
$18.05
Overview:
Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.
Pros:
The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.
Cons:
Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.
Important Tips:
Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The main ingredient is menthol and the cool sensation is long lasting. You have to try this product. Trust me, I've tried them all and there's no comparison!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
A giant container of value size biofreeze.
Price:
$121.38
Overview:
8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!
Pros:
If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.
Cons:
A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.
Important Tips:
If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"This stuff is GREAT! Value sized!!"
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
Best Bottom of the Foot & Heel Pain Relief Products
Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract
Price:
$29.99
Overview:
This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.
Pros:
It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.
Cons:
Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.
Important Tips:
The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It's basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.
Amazon Reviewer Comments (Make sure to do your own review research through the link):
"The cream helps with my nerve pain for several hours , giving me relief on the job. It doesn't take much , I use very little , it goes along way, as long as it is rubbed in properly. I will definitely be purchasing this again. I also gave to a friend that has fibromyalgia, she said it helped with her aches and pains to relieve pressure for a few hours. This is definitely a 5 star purchase."
Affiliate Link (Buying through these links helps support the site): Thank you!
