Ankle Sprain vs. Fracture: Understanding the Differences
Identifying an ankle sprain vs. a fracture and how our specialists can help
You’ve had an accident, and your ankle is swelling, bruising, and in pain. You probably know that you’ve suffered an injury; however, if you aren’t a medical professional, it can be difficult to understand your symptoms and what they mean.
Two of the most common lower extremity injuries are sprains and fractures. Anyone can be at risk for these injuries, whether you’re an athlete or a senior who has been diagnosed with osteoporosis. While sprains and fractures share some similar symptoms, they are two very different injuries. Fortunately, our physiotherapists can help you identify your injury, reduce your pain, and restore functions with our comprehensive treatment plans.
Call Stonegate Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic today to learn how we treat and prevent sprains and fractures!
What Is an Ankle Sprain?
Sprains are injuries to ligaments, the bands of tissue that hold joints together. This type of injury occurs when the foot twists or turns beyond its normal range of motion, which can cause ligaments to overstretch or tear.
Ankle sprains range in severity from 1 to 3:
- Grade 1: A mild injury that occurs when the ligament is overstretched. A grade 1 sprain typically takes two weeks to two months to heal, and full strength can be restored in a few months.
- Grade 2: A moderate injury in which the ligament is overstretched or partially torn. It normally takes six to 12 weeks to heal.
- Grade 3: The most severe injury which means the ligament is completely torn. A grade 3 sprain can take nine months to one year to fully heal.
Once an ankle ligament is sprained, it is much more prone to re-injury. Active people or athletes are more likely to sustain an ankle sprain; however, anyone can be at risk of injury.
Following an ankle sprain, you may experience the following:
- Pain and/or throbbing in the affected area.
- Bruising and swelling.
- Weakness or inability to stand or walk on the affected foot.
- Stiffness or loss of motion.
- A feeling of instability in the ankle joint.
After most sprains, you’ll likely feel swelling, bruising, and intense pain that worsens with movement. In more severe sprains, you may hear or feel something tear with a snapping or popping sound.
What Is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture is when a bone completely or partially breaks.
Fractures are measured in severity:
- Nondisplaced: The pieces of the broken bone remain aligned.
- Displaced: The two parts of the broken bone are not lined up.
- Comminuted: The bone or bones splinter or cause small pieces to break off.
- Complex fracture: Severe damage occurs to the soft tissue surrounding the broken bone(s).
- Compound fracture: Fragments of bone pierce the skin.
Fractures require medical attention as soon as possible, especially when the injury involves several broken bones, the bones do not line up, or the fracture is unstable. It’s important to note that with a compound fracture, there is a higher chance of infection.
Foot and ankle fracture symptoms include:
- Severe pain or throbbing pain.
- Pain that worsens during activity and weight bearing.
- Bruising and swelling (often significant).
- Difficulty walking and bearing weight.
- In severe cases deformity of the bone in the foot and/or ankle.
Physiotherapy Following a Sprain or Fracture
Physiotherapy treatment is a necessary component of recovery following an ankle sprain or fracture. We will perform a comprehensive assessment of your injury and symptoms so we can design a treatment plan that is customized to your unique needs and recovery goals.
Treatments that we use for ankle sprains and fractures at Stonegate Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic include:
- Patient education: Your physiotherapist will educate you about your ankle fracture and how to manage symptoms. They will suggest changes to your everyday functions if needed and create a personalized exercise program so you can return to your desired activities.
- Range-of-motion exercise: An ankle injury can compromise the mobility of the ankle, which causes stress to the region and other areas. Your physiotherapist may teach you exercises to decrease tension and help restore normal motion of your lower-extremity joints.
- Muscle strengthening: Muscle weaknesses or imbalances can develop after inactivity, which can contribute to the loss of functions and symptoms. Your physiotherapist will create a customized resistance program based on the severity of your fracture and your progress in recovery.
- Gait training: Gait training is intended to restore a normal walking pattern. This will focus on retraining foot and ankle movement and teaching you how to time your steps.
- Assistive devices: Your physiotherapist may recommend assistive devices to aid in your recovery, such as crutches, braces, or an ankle wrap. This helps to stabilize the area and improve your walking for a certain amount of time.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on treatments can ease pain and help you move your muscles and joints. Manual therapy techniques may include:
- Massage: Commonly used to relieve muscle tension, reduce swelling, and improve circulation to the injured area.
- Mobilization: Involves gentle, controlled movements of the ankle joint to improve its range of motion and flexibility. This can help to prevent stiffness and improve the functioning of the ankle.
- Passive Stretching: Passive stretching exercises are led by your therapist and can help to improve flexibility and strength in the ankle.
- Functional training: Once your pain, strength, and movement start to improve, your practitioner will help you make a safe transition into activities with controlled movements that minimize strain on the ankle.
Request an Appointment Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with an ankle sprain or fracture or are unsure which injury you’ve suffered from, our team of highly trained practitioners is here to help. We can support you through your recovery journey and help you transition back into your daily activities.
Call Stonegate Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic today to learn more and request an appointment!