Ankle injuries are all too common and happen in an instant. You can twist your ankle on an uneven piece of pavement or land awkwardly during a workout, doing an exercise you have done a million times with no issue. Or you could step on a rock on a weekend hike at Eureka Trail, rolling your ankle.
In the blink of the eye, your ankle is swollen and tender, leaving you with pain, discomfort, and uncertainty wondering how serious your ankle injury is, whether it’s a sprain or fracture, and whether you need medical attention.
When you need those questions answered, visit your local AFC Urgent Care in Athens. No appointment is necessary, and we have on-site digital X-rays, if needed, to efficiently assess and treat your ankle injury.
What to Know About the Ankle Joint
The ankle is a complex, weight-bearing joint that allows your foot to move while helping support your body as you walk, run, and stand. It is made up of 3 main bones (the tibia, fibula, and talus) along with numerous ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to provide stability and movement.
No area of the ankle is immune to injury, due to the significant pressure and body weight they absorb daily. Twisting the ankle causes pain in the inside or outside of the ankle, while pain along the back of the leg could be tied to the Achilles tendon that connects muscles in the calf to the heel bone.
However, two of the most common ankle injuries are ankle sprains and ankle fractures (broken ankles). Both can cause significant pain and swelling.
What is an Ankle Sprain?
Ankle sprains impact the ligaments in the ankle, which are the strong bands of tissue holding your bones together. Either due to a sudden twist, turn, or awkward landing, the ligaments supporting your ankle are stretched beyond their limits.
Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe depending on whether the ligament is stretched or completely torn. In mild cases, you might experience some discomfort and swelling, but you can still put weight on the affected ankle. In more severe cases there will likely be significant swelling, and you may struggle to put any weight on it.
What is an Ankle Fracture?
There are different types of ankle fractures, ranging in levels of severity. There are complete fractures, in which the bone is broken into two. Complete fractures often happen suddenly and require an immediate ER visit.
The second type of fractures are known as incomplete fractures. Incomplete fractures are partial breaks of the bone and are also called stress or hairline fractures. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in a bone, caused by repeated stress or movements, and are most common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot.
Stress fractures are unique because they can develop gradually, often due to repetitive stress and overuse. The tiny cracks can be quite painful and are commonly seen in athletes and those who engage in high-impact activities like running, dancing, or jumping. Over time, repetitive stress without enough time to heal can lead to these small cracks, causing pain and discomfort.
Common Symptoms: Sprains Versus Fractures
Ankle sprains are often billed as less severe than an ankle fracture, but a sprained ankle can be just as painful as a broken one.
Common signs of an ankle sprain include:
- Swelling and bruising, often around the outside of the ankle after a roll or twist.
- Soft-tissue tenderness and pain around the joint rather than directly over the bone.
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion are common, although some movement may still be possible.
Common signs of a broken ankle include:
- Pain and significant tenderness over the bone.
- An ankle that looks visibly deformed or misshapen.
- A popping or cracking sound at the time of injury.
- Being unable to stand or walk on the injured ankle.
It’s important to note that trying to “tough it out” after an ankle injury can delay your recovery time, lead to long-term complications, or cause additional areas of discomfort to develop over time.
Immediate Response: The RICE Method
It’s not always possible to determine whether you have a sprain or fracture at home, given overlapping symptoms. If you experience a mild ankle roll or injury and are in minor discomfort, your first step should be to follow the R.I.C.E. Method:
- Rest: Rest to prevent additional strain.
- Ice: Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it for 15 to 20 minutes. Reapply the ice every 3 hours.
- Compression: Put pressure on the injured area by wrapping it with an elastic bandage.
- Elevation: Stack several pillows under your ankle while resting in bed or on a sofa.
When to Visit Urgent Care
For a mild ankle injury, the RICE method can be a helpful first step in managing pain and swelling at home, but it is not a replacement for medical attention when an ankle injury is more serious. A medical examination at AFC Athens may be necessary to determine whether the ankle is sprained or fractured, and whether additional treatment is needed.
A painful or swollen ankle that makes walking difficult should be evaluated by a medical professional, especially if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Moderate to severe pain that persists or worsens, showing no improvement in 48 hours.
- Significant or increasing swelling or bruising.
- Trouble putting weight on the injured ankle.
- Numbness or tingling in the foot or ankle.
When an X-Ray is Necessary
When you visit your local AFC Urgent Care Athens, you’ll be evaluated by a medical professional, who may recommend a digital X-ray to diagnose a potential ankle fracture.
AFC Athens uses the latest digital X-ray technology, which offers clearer, sharper images with a quicker turnaround and significantly less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays. On average, it can take only 15 minutes to get a digital X-ray at AFC Athens, and all X-Rays are performed by an experienced, certified technician.
Our clinic is also stocked with durable medical equipment, including braces and boots, to provide the immediate care you need to begin your recovery.
Visit AFC Athens For Your Ankle Pain
If you’ve twisted your ankle or are experiencing mild, consistent ankle pain, prompt medical evaluation at AFC Athens can help determine whether it’s an ankle sprain or an ankle fracture.
With 7-day availability, extended hours, digital X-ray technology, and an experienced medical team, we make it easier to get the answers and treatment you need, so you can get back to enjoying fall and outdoor activities throughout Athens.
Skip the uncertainty and pre-register your visit online today or walk into AFC Urgent Care Athens for prompt ankle injury care.