Trying to self-diagnose is always risky. It’s always advisable to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing signs of any medical problem. Let’s concentrate on ankle injuries specifically because it might be challenging for many individuals to accurately assess what they’re going through and what they should do about it.

Consult a doctor to be sure if you have discomfort in your ankle and are unsure if it is sprained, fractured, or simply requires rest. It is crucial to understand the distinctions between each situation so you can best position yourself for recovery. Only a medical professional’s assessment and imaging tests can reliably identify your condition.

Sprain

To quickly determine if your problem is a sprain or a fracture, understand that sprains affect the ligaments that connect your joint and bones. A stretch or a tear in the ligament causes sprains, which can result in excruciating pain. A fracture occurs due to bone injury. Because ankle injuries can involve sprains and fractures, there is frequently a misunderstanding and ambiguity around them.

You can receive the necessary diagnosis via imaging tests. Similar symptoms between the two kinds of injuries, such as swelling or trouble walking, are common. The only effective treatment for sprains is to give it time to recover properly. What you need is elevation, rest, and ice. In extremely severe and rare conditions does a sprain requires surgery.

Fracture

Because they include bones, fractures are a little more complex. A fractured ankle and a sprained ankle differ in a few key ways. Broken or fractured ankles have the same symptoms of swelling and inability to bear pressure or walk, but you might be able to identify a fracture visually. Your foot placement could seem unnatural, especially if it is a displaced fracture i.e., your bones cracked and left their original position. In non-displaced fractures, the bones retain their position but break away.

Motion can make sprains worse, but in most cases, your body’s capacity to maintain itself is unaffected. However, if you are unable to stand, you may have a fracture. Moreover, the discomfort associated with breakage is frequently more persistent and requires more time for recovery. Fractures also require support in the shape of casts or boots to keep the bones in place during the recovery period.

You should see a podiatrist to get your pain assessed if you’ve been injured and the pain or swelling is persistent. You can start the recovery process by receiving a proper diagnosis from a physical and imaging test. Injury recovery may be challenging, and as you age, it gets worse. Get the best care possible as soon as possible for this reason.

At Bay Podiatry Associates, Dr. Argirios Mantzoukas, our board-certified podiatrist, treats a variety of conditions such as ankle sprains, diabetic wounds, bunions, hammertoes, heel pain, nerve pain, plantar warts, dry skin, and calluses. We provide excellent service for patients in the Bath Beach, Kings County section of South Brooklyn. Contact our office at 718-266-1986. Our office is at 8635 21st Avenue, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.