A sprained or broken ankle can be painful and disruptive, affecting your ability to move freely and engage in daily activities. While both injuries involve the ankle joint, they differ in severity, symptoms, and required treatment. Understanding these differences is essential for a smooth recovery and preventing long-term complications.
Whether you are an athlete, a busy professional, or someone simply going about your day, knowing the top causes of ankle injuries can help you take steps to reduce your risk. This guide will cover what leads to a rolled ankle, sprained, or broken, how to differentiate between these injuries, and what you should do if you experience ankle pain. We’ll also share expert advice on recovery and prevention strategies to keep you moving with confidence.
Understanding These Ankle Injuries
The ankle is a complex and weight-bearing joint made up of three primary bones—the tibia, fibula, and talus—along with a network of ligaments, tendons, and muscles that provide stability and movement. Since it plays a crucial role in supporting body weight and facilitating movement, any excessive force or unnatural twisting motion can result in injury.
A sprained ankle happens when the ligaments that connect the bones are overstretched or torn due to a sudden twist or roll of the foot. Sprains vary in severity, with mild cases causing slight discomfort and moderate swelling, while severe sprains may result in significant ligament damage and ankle instability. Sprains are typically treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.), along with physiotherapy exercises to restore strength and stability. Recovery time can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.
A broken ankle, however, involves one or more fractures in the bones of the ankle joint. Fractures can range from minor stress fractures to complete breaks that require immobilisation or surgical intervention. Unlike a sprain, a broken ankle often results in severe pain, an inability to bear weight, and sometimes visible deformity. Treatment for a broken ankle typically involves immobilisation with a cast or brace, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to realign the bones. Recovery time can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the fracture.
How Do You Know If Your Ankle Is Broken or Sprained?
While both injuries cause pain and swelling, there are some key differences:
- Pain Location: If your ankle is broken, it often causes sharp, localised pain directly over the bone, whereas, if it’s sprained, it results in pain around the soft tissue, particularly the ligaments. If pressing on the bone increases discomfort significantly, it may indicate a fracture. In contrast, ligament pain often worsens with movement but is not as intense at rest.
- Swelling and Bruising: Both injuries can cause swelling and bruising, but a fractured ankle is likely to exhibit more extensive and darker bruising due to internal bleeding. The swelling in a sprained ankle is often localised to the affected ligament, while in a fracture, it can be more pronounced and widespread around the entire ankle joint.
- Weight-Bearing Ability: One of the key indicators of a broken ankle is the inability to put any weight on the foot. If attempting to walk causes severe pain, or if the ankle buckles under pressure, a fracture may be more likely. While sprains can also make walking difficult, mild to moderate sprains may still allow some weight-bearing with discomfort.
- Deformity: If your ankle appears visibly out of alignment, swollen in an unusual shape, or if you notice a bony protrusion, it’s more probable to be a broken ankle. Sprains generally do not cause significant misalignment, though severe swelling can sometimes make it hard to assess the shape of the joint.
If you suspect any of these ankle injuries, it is always best to seek professional advice to ensure proper treatment.
Top Causes to Avoid
Understanding the common causes of ankle injuries can help you take proactive steps to prevent them. Here are some of the main reasons people experience an ankle injury.
1. Missteps and Uneven Surfaces
Walking on uneven ground, stepping into a pothole, or losing balance on stairs can cause the foot to twist awkwardly. This sudden and unexpected movement can place excessive strain on the ligaments or bones, leading to a broken ankle or sprained ankle. Individuals with poor balance or weak ankle support are particularly vulnerable to these types of injuries.
2. Sports Injuries
High-impact activities like football, basketball, and running place immense stress on the ankle joint. Quick directional changes, sudden stops, or landing incorrectly after a jump can increase the risk of injury. Athletes often experience ankle injuries due to the repetitive nature of these activities, which place significant pressure on the ankle structures over time.
3. Wearing Unsupportive Footwear
Footwear plays a crucial role in maintaining ankle stability. Shoes that lack proper ankle support, such as high heels, loose-fitting sandals, or worn-out trainers, can increase the likelihood of rolling the ankle. When the foot rolls inward or outward unexpectedly, it can result in signs of a sprained ankle or broken bone. Properly fitted, supportive shoes with cushioning can help reduce this risk.
4. Weak or Tight Muscles
The strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the ankle play a key role in joint stability. If these muscles are weak, they are less effective in providing support during movement, making the ankle more prone to sudden twists or impacts. Tight muscles can also contribute to limited mobility, leading to compensatory movements that place stress on the ligaments and bones, increasing the risk of injury.
5. Previous Injuries
Individuals who have previously suffered an ankle sprain or fracture are at a greater risk of reinjury. Ankle instability or lingering weakness from past injuries can make the joint more susceptible to damage. Without proper rehabilitation and strengthening exercises, the likelihood of experiencing another broken ankle or sprain symptoms remains high. Implementing a structured rehab program can help restore full function and prevent future injuries.
6. Sudden Impact or Trauma
High-force impacts, such as car accidents, falls from height, or direct trauma to the ankle, can result in severe injury. In these cases, an ankle injury can develop due to the overwhelming force exerted on the joint. Fractures caused by trauma often require medical intervention, such as immobilisation, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgical treatment to ensure proper healing.
Signs of a Sprained Ankle or Broken Bone
Recognising these signs is crucial for determining the next steps in care. Some key symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around the ankle
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Ankle instability or weakness
- A cracking or popping sound at the time of injury
- Visible deformity in the case of a break
- Limited Range of Motion
- Persistent Numbness or Tingling
If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking medical attention can help determine the appropriate treatment.
Tips for Walking With a Broken or Sprained Ankle
Recovering from an ankle injury requires patience and care. Here are some tips for walking while experiencing this injury to promote healing and prevent further damage:
- Use Crutches or a Walking Boot: This reduces pressure on the injured area, allowing it to heal properly.
- Follow the R.I.C.E. Method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Perform Gentle Exercises: Once approved by your physiotherapist, light range-of-motion exercises can prevent stiffness.
- Wear Supportive Footwear: Choose shoes with good ankle support to avoid re-injury.
- Gradually Increase Activity: Avoid rushing back into high-impact activities before the ankle is fully healed.
How Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates Can Help
At Perth Physiotherapy and Pilates, we understand the impact a sprained or broken ankle can have on your daily life. Our experienced physiotherapists provide personalised treatment plans that focus on recovery, rehabilitation, and strengthening to prevent future injuries.
Our services include:
- Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and inflammation
- Rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and mobility
- Clinical Pilates and gym-based rehab to support long-term recovery
- Advice on injury prevention and footwear selection
An ankle injury can be painful and frustrating, but with the right care, you can recover fully and return to your daily activities. Understanding the top causes of ankle injuries and how to prevent them can reduce your risk. If you need guidance on managing broken ankle or sprained ankle symptoms, our physiotherapy team is here to help.
Call us at 0416 411 191 or Book an appointment today and take the first step towards a full recovery.
