One wrong step can turn an ordinary day into an ankle injury. An uneven section of pavement or a misstep on a hike at Sharp’s Ridge Veterans Memorial Park can cause your ankle to twist suddenly.
When your ankle becomes swollen, sore, or difficult to move, you may immediately start asking how bad the injury is, whether you sprained or fractured your ankle, and if medical treatment is necessary.
For help getting those questions answered, visit AFC Urgent Care in Fountain City. Walk-ins are welcome, and our clinic provides on-site digital X-rays when appropriate to help identify potential fractures and determine the next steps for treatment.
The Anatomy Behind Your Ankle
Your ankle is a complex, weight-bearing joint helps keep you stable while allowing your foot to move when you walk, stand, run, and exercise.
Three primary bones (the tibia, fibula, and talus) make up the ankle joint. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles surrounding these bones also play an important role in movement and stability.
Since the ankle handles body weight and repeated pressure throughout the day, ankle injuries are common and affect all areas of the ankle. Two particularly common injuries are ankle sprains and ankle fractures. Both lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
What Happens During an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain involves damage to the ligaments that help hold the ankle bones together. A sudden change in direction, awkward landing, or unexpected twist can stretch these ligaments beyond their normal range.
Sprains can be mild, moderate, or severe. With a mild injury, you may have some swelling and soreness but still be able to bear weight. More serious ligament injuries can result in considerable swelling and make it difficult to stand or walk.
Types of Ankle Fractures to Know
An ankle fracture, commonly called a broken ankle, involves a break in one or more of the bones. The severity of a fracture can vary, and treatment depends on the type and extent of the injury.
A complete fracture occurs when the bone breaks into two or more pieces. These injuries often happen suddenly and require immediate ER care.
An incomplete fracture is a partial break in the bone and may also be referred to as a hairline or stress fracture. Stress fractures are small cracks that commonly develop in weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot.
Stress fractures can occur gradually as a result of repeated stress and overuse. Athletes and people involved in high-impact activities such as running, dancing, and jumping may be more likely to develop them. When the body does not have enough time to recover between activities, repeated stress can eventually cause small cracks and ongoing pain.
Spotting the Symptoms of Each Injury
It can be difficult to tell a sprain from a fracture based on symptoms alone. A sprain can sometimes be extremely painful, so the amount of pain does not necessarily indicate whether an ankle is broken.
An ankle sprain may cause:
- Swelling and bruising, especially around the outside of the ankle after a twist or roll.
- Pain and tenderness in the soft tissue around the joint.
- Stiffness and reduced movement, although some mobility may remain.
An ankle fracture may cause:
- Significant pain and tenderness directly over the bone.
- A visibly abnormal or deformed appearance.
- A popping or cracking sensation or sound when the injury occurs.
- Difficulty or inability to stand or walk on the affected ankle.
Ignoring ankle pain and trying to continue as usual can slow recovery and potentially contribute to additional problems.
Using RICE for Initial Relief
You cannot always determine at home whether an ankle injury is a sprain or fracture because the symptoms can be similar. If you experience a mild roll or minor injury, the R.I.C.E. Method can help manage initial swelling and discomfort:
- Rest: Give the ankle time to recover and avoid activities that place additional stress on it.
- Ice: Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes, repeating approximately every 3 hours.
- Compression: Gently wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage for support.
- Elevation: Prop the ankle up on pillows while you rest.
Signs You May Need Medical Care
The RICE method is useful for managing a mild ankle injury at home, but it is not a substitute for medical evaluation when symptoms are significant. Visit your local AFC Fountain City when you experience the following symptoms:
- Moderate to severe pain that continues or worsens and does not improve within 48 hours.
- Swelling or bruising that is significant or continues to increase.
- Difficulty bearing weight on the injured ankle.
- Numbness or tingling in your foot or ankle.
When an Ankle X-Ray May Be Needed
At AFC Urgent Care Fountain City, a medical professional can examine your ankle and determine whether a digital X-ray is needed to diagnose the extent of the injury.
AFC Fountain City uses modern digital X-ray technology to provide clear, detailed images with a quick turnaround and less radiation exposure than traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays can take approximately 15 minutes, and imaging is completed by an experienced, certified technician.
If you need additional support during recovery, our clinic also carries durable medical equipment, including braces and boots, so you do not have to wait to get the support needed.
Turn to AFC Fountain City for Ankle Injury Care
If an unexpected twist has left you with ankle pain or you are experiencing ongoing discomfort, an evaluation at AFC Fountain City can help identify whether you have a sprain, fracture, or another type of injury.
With 7-day availability, extended hours, digital X-ray technology, and an experienced medical team, AFC Fountain City provides convenient access to the care you need when an ankle injury interrupts your plans.
Pre-register online or walk into AFC Urgent Care Fountain City for prompt ankle injury care!