Foot and Ankle

Below is a list of steps that you should follow in order to determine whether you are suffering from a sprained ankle or broken ankle.

The first thing you should do is consider how the injury took place. If you stepped on an uneven surface, twisted your foot or lost your balance, you most likely suffered a sprained ankle. If you tripped, suffered a hard fall or experienced heavy impact, like an automobile accident, then you may very well have broken your ankle.

Examine your ankle to determine if there is any swelling. If the ankle is swollen and tender but you can still move it, it is a sprained ankle.

Rate your pain. A broken ankle will cause swelling, bruising, numbness and tenderness; however, a sprained ankle is often more painful. On the other hand, if you experience immediate, severe pain or the ankle is deformed, you most likely have a broken ankle.

Try to walk on your ankle. If you can walk, even if it is painful, this is an indication that the injury is just a sprain. If you cannot put any weight on the affected foot, your ankle is probably broken.

A professional health care provider will be able to tell you for sure if your ankle is broken or just sprained. Your doctor will take an X-ray, which will help determine for sure the exact injury. Your doctor may also decide to perform a stress test to determine if surgery is necessary and determine which ligaments you have injured.

Recovering From an Ankle Sprain

The recovery time for a sprained ankle depends on a number of different factors, including the amount of swelling present, the extent of the sprain, initial care and whether or not you choose to undergo treatment from a physical therapist. A Grade 1 ankle sprain with minor pain and swelling will generally take one to two weeks to heal. The most common sprain, a Grade 2, can take from four to six weeks to heal. The most serious type of ankle sprain is a Grade 3, which can take from eight to twelve weeks to heal completely.

Recovering From a Broken Ankle
Recovery success from a broken ankle depends on the method of treatment that you choose. You will recover from a broken ankle much faster if you do not move the leg much, especially before treatment has been administered. If the bone has actually cracked and it becomes brittle, then the recovery time will be considerably longer. To speed recovery of a broken ankle, refrain from putting any weight on the ankle. Use an ice pack to keep the swelling down, which will effectively reduce pain as well. Some patients will need to use a cane or crutches to help keep weight off the affected ankle. Keep in mind if surgery is required to correct your broken ankle, recovery time will be significantly increased.

Source: CAT INC

RIVERA FOOT & ANKLE: At Orlando H.Rivera DPM, our priority is to deliver quality care to informed patients in a comfortable and convenient setting. When you have problems with your feet, you need to turn to a podiatrist who listens and responds… an experienced doctor who knows the field and can effectively diagnose and treat your needs… a friendly physician who counsels you on the best ways to maintain and improve your health. Our physician(s) meet all these criteria. Plus, you benefit from a dedicated team of trained professionals who give you the individualized attention you deserve.

Foot and Ankle.

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