A sprained ankle occurs when a person stretches or tears the ligaments in the ankle. An ankle fracture occurs when someone breaks one or more of the bones in their ankle.
A sprained ankle may cause discomfort, but symptoms are usually less severe than those of a broken ankle. A sprain tends to improve with rest and home remedies.
A broken ankle often causes intense, sudden pain, among other symptoms. People with a broken ankle require medical treatment, which may involve a cast, pain management, or surgery.
The table below outlines the typical symptoms of a sprained ankle compared to those of a broken ankle:
| Sprained ankle | Broken ankle |
|---|---|
| • tenderness or pain • weakness of the affected ankle • swelling around the ankle • bruising around the ankle • difficulty putting weight on the ankle • difficulty walking or moving | • immediate, severe pain • significant swelling and bruising • inability to put weight on the ankle • the ankle is very stiff or difficult to move • changes in the shape of the ankle • in some cases, bone protruding through the skin |
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, sprains are common injuries and tend to involve milder symptoms than fractures. Sprains affect the ligaments, whereas fractures affect the bones.
Ankle fractures are more common in older adults. Their severity may depend on which or how many bones are broken in the ankle.
People who sprain their ankle should follow the PRICE mnemonic:
- Protection: Protect the ankle from further damage with an aircast, walking cast, or walking boot.
- Rest: Rest the ankle for
72 hours before gradually resuming typical activity levels. - Ice: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the ankle for up to 20 minutes every few hours to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Support the injury with an elastic bandage or lace-up ankle support.
- Elevate: Try to keep the ankle above the heart as much as possible in the first 24 to 48 hours following the injury.
People with an ankle sprain should wait for all symptoms to get better before participating in sports.
A broken ankle requires medical treatment. Doctors may use
- a cast below the knee
- walking boot
- pain medication
- fracture reduction, a medical procedure that realigns a broken bone
- surgical interventions
In most cases, a mild or moderate ankle sprain will get better with home remedies within
According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, a broken ankle typically takes up to eight weeks to heal, but this may depend on the type and severity of the fracture. A healthcare professional may recommend strategies to encourage recovery, such as:
- rest the ankle
- take pain relief medication, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- regularly wiggle the toes and bend the knee to prevent stiff muscles
After a doctor removes any supportive structures, such as a cast or walking boot, people may need to use crutches or see a physiotherapist.
If symptoms worsen or someone develops signs of infection during recovery from a broken ankle, they should contact a doctor. Signs of infection may include a high temperature or a bad smell from inside the cast.
Most ankle sprains get better over time with home management. However, if an ankle sprain causes severe pain or does not improve despite using home treatments for a few weeks, people should contact a doctor.
People may also benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional if they experience frequent ankle sprains. Frequent sprains can contribute to more severe issues, such as arthritis or chronic pain.
If someone has symptoms of a broken ankle, they should seek medical help as quickly as possible. People should go to the emergency room or call 911 if they have any of the following:
- a bone protruding through the skin
- changes in the shape of the ankle
- an open wound or cut on the ankle
- severe pain
- numbness or color changes in the toes
A broken ankle typically has more severe symptoms and a longer recovery time than a sprained ankle. However, both ankle sprains and breaks can vary in severity.
People can usually manage ankle sprains at home by resting and raising the ankle, applying a cool compress, and protecting it from further damage.
Broken ankles require medical assessment. A doctor may be able to realign the bone and apply support, such as a cast or walking boot. However, some people may need surgery.