Question 1

how do you know the difference between a sprained or fractured ankle?

Accepted Answer

XRAY!: We use the xray to tell, but there are criteria developed in ottowa that help predict if its a fracture. Less likely to be a fracture if 1) able to put weight on leg immediately after injury 2)no tenderness 3 cm up the posterior aspect of the fibula (lateral side) 3) no tenderness at  the lateral border of the foot. Standard disclaimer, though- if unsure or it feels"bad", get it checked.

Question 2

is it safe to run on a sprained or fractured ankle?

Accepted Answer

No: Get ankle examined and treated properly. Continuing to run before this heals may lead to oprlonged healing or even permanent damage.

Question 3

what would be worse a sprained ankle or a fractured ankle?

Accepted Answer

Fracture: For sure.  In fact, some ankle fractures can be devastating, while others can be minor. Sometimes, "sprains" are really partial tears of the ligaments which aren't seen on standard x-rays.

Question 4

how do i figure out what is worse- sprained ankle v. fractured ankle?

Accepted Answer

It Depends: A sprain is a tearing of the ankle ligament which can be very painful and take longer to heal in some instances than a broken bone.  But there are certain ankle fractures which make the joint unstable that can need surgical repair.  In either case proper evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist is recommended to avoid long term problems.

Question 5

i have trouble walking from a sprained and fractured ankle. what can i do to speed up the rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

Listen to your body.: If this is a recent injury, you need to be immobilized either in a cast or walking boot. Once the fracture has healed on xray or is stable.  Your doctor could order physical therapy.  In order to speed up healing: rest, elevate, ice, ace wrap, and immobilization.  The fact that it hurts means stop walking!  check with your doctor to make sure the fracture is healing properly.

Question 6

what is the difference between an ankle fracture and an ankle sprained?

Accepted Answer

They are...: A fracture is a broken bone.A sprain is soft tissue damage, such as ligaments, muscle or tendons.

Question 7

what is the difference between an ankle sprain and fracture?

Accepted Answer

Huge: A fracture means a bone is broken. A sprain does not involve the bone but the soft tissues around the bones that support them - muscles tendons ligaments. A fracture requires casting or immobilization, sometimes surgery. A sprain may often heal on its own or with minimal anti-inflammatory medication or rest. A severe sprain can present similarly to a fracutre but there is no bone break.

Question 8

i turned my ankle over this morning coming into the office and it started to swell immediately.  how do i tell the difference in a sprain or fracture?

Accepted Answer

Sprain: Usually pain is the indicator , but I have had fractures walk into my office .  See your podiatrist for x rays and the help you need.

Question 9

what exercises can i do with a fractured ankle?

Accepted Answer

See below: You can do all the exewrcises for the upper extremities and if it a walking cast you can use the stepper.Can do all sort of isometric exercises.Sitting down you can do quad estrengthening.Do you have a cast or a boot?Againg all depend of your fx type and ibstructions given by your physician.

Question 10

what work outs can i do with a fractured ankle?

Accepted Answer

Depending on...: The type of fracture, that is up to your doctor.  If you were my patient, and the fracture was significant enough, you are not working out for a minimum of 4-6 weeks without surgery.  If you have surgery, then a minimum of 6 weeks before physical therapy.  Safely, swimming is the only workout exercise i would allow.

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Doctor answers about:

How do you know the difference between a sprained or fractured ankle

A member asked:

How do you know the difference between a sprained or fractured ankle?

A member asked:

Is it safe to run on a sprained or fractured ankle?

A member asked:

What would be worse a sprained ankle or a fractured ankle?

A member asked:

How do i figure out what is worse- sprained ankle v. fractured ankle?

A member asked:

I have trouble walking from a sprained and fractured ankle. what can i do to speed up the rehabilitation?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an ankle fracture and an ankle sprained?

A member asked:

What is the difference between an ankle sprain and fracture?

A member asked:

I turned my ankle over this morning coming into the office and it started to swell immediately. how do i tell the difference in a sprain or fracture?

A member asked:

What exercises can i do with a fractured ankle?

A member asked:

What work outs can i do with a fractured ankle?

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