A sprained ankle occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn, often resulting from a sudden twist, turn, or impact. While the primary concern with a sprained ankle is pain and swelling, bruising is a common symptom that can accompany the injury. This bruising happens when blood vessels are damaged, leading to blood leaking into the surrounding tissues. Understanding why bruising occurs with a sprained ankle can help individuals better manage their recovery and identify when additional medical attention is necessary.
For same-day sports injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our urgent care center specializes in treating a wide range of injuries, including sprained ankles. Appointments are not required– just walk-in today!
How Sprained Ankle Causes Bruising
A sprained ankle causes bruising due to the damage it inflicts on the small blood vessels, or capillaries, around the injured area. When the ankle is twisted or forced beyond its normal range of motion, the ligaments and surrounding tissues can tear, which leads to the rupture of these blood vessels. As a result, blood leaks into the tissues beneath the skin, causing the characteristic purple, blue, or reddish discoloration known as a bruise. This bruising may appear hours after the injury and can spread to surrounding areas as blood seeps from the damaged vessels.
Symptoms of a Sprained Ankle
The symptoms of a sprained ankle can vary depending on the severity of the injury but typically include:
- Pain: A sprained ankle often causes immediate pain, especially when walking or bearing weight on the affected foot. The pain may range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of ligament damage.
- Swelling: Swelling is common and can occur around the ankle joint, sometimes making it difficult to move the foot or put pressure on it.
- Bruising: As the blood vessels are damaged, bruising may develop, often appearing as a dark purple or blue mark around the injured area.
- Limited range of motion: A sprained ankle may restrict your ability to move the foot normally, especially during activities like walking, running, or turning the ankle.
- Instability: In more severe cases, the ankle may feel unstable, making it difficult to balance or walk without support.
- Tenderness: The area around the sprain may be tender to the touch, especially where the ligaments are injured.
How To Diagnose a Sprained Ankle
Diagnosing a sprained ankle typically involves a combination of a physical examination and imaging tests to assess the extent of the injury. Here's how the diagnosis process generally works:
1. Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will first examine the ankle to check for signs of swelling, bruising, and tenderness.
2. Patient History: The doctor will ask about the circumstances of the injury, such as how it happened, when the pain started, and whether there was any immediate swelling or bruising.
3. X-rays: An X-ray may be ordered to rule out bone fractures or other structural damage. While X-rays cannot directly show ligament damage, they are essential in excluding other injuries that might mimic sprained ankle symptoms.
4. MRI or Ultrasound: In more severe cases, or if the injury doesn't improve as expected, an MRI or ultrasound may provide detailed images of the soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons.
5. Stress Tests: In some cases, the doctor may perform specific stress tests to assess the stability of the ankle joint by moving it in different directions to see how the ligaments respond.
Get Same-Day Sports Injury Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Clark in Clark, NJ
If you've suffered a sprained ankle and experienced severe pain, significant swelling, or difficulty bearing weight, seeking medical attention promptly is essential. Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark for rapid injury care. We can provide timely treatment to properly assess the injury, rule out fractures, and recommend an appropriate course of action for recovery. Immediate care can help prevent further damage, reduce the risk of complications, and speed up your healing process, ensuring you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. If you have any additional questions about the injuries we treat, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (732) 301-5114.
