
How Can Swelling In The Ankle Post Injury Be Identified As A Sprain Or A Fracture?

Question: Yesterday I fell and really hurt my ankle.Now it's swollen and very painful o walk.
How do we tell the difference between a fracture and a sprain
How do we tell the difference between a fracture and a sprain
Brief Answer:
Need an X-ray.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If there is significant swelling and pain, I recommend you go in to be seen at urgent care or ER where a doctor can examine it and get an x-ray. It is often impossible to know whether there is a fracture without an X-ray.
It is important to know the status (fracture vs sprain) because the expected course of treatment and recovery can be different.
I'm sorry your are having so much pain. But do go in now and have it looked at and X-ray.
Take care.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Need an X-ray.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
If there is significant swelling and pain, I recommend you go in to be seen at urgent care or ER where a doctor can examine it and get an x-ray. It is often impossible to know whether there is a fracture without an X-ray.
It is important to know the status (fracture vs sprain) because the expected course of treatment and recovery can be different.
I'm sorry your are having so much pain. But do go in now and have it looked at and X-ray.
Take care.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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