It only takes one wrong step to injure your ankle. A misstep walking up the stairs or an awkward landing over a root hiking at Stevens Creek Nature Center and Preserve.
What starts as a simple misstep can quickly lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness, leaving you wondering if your ankle injury is serious, whether you’re dealing with a sprain or fracture, and if it’s time to see a medical provider.
For convenient answers and care, visit AFC Urgent Care in Indian Trail. You can walk in without an appointment, and our clinic has on-site digital X-rays to help quickly and efficiently treat ankle injuries when needed.
Components of 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.
Ankle Sprains
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.
Ankle Fractures
There are different types of broken ankles, 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.
What are the Common Symptoms of 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.
Your First Step: 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 AFC 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 Indian Trail 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.
Is an X-Ray Needed?
When you visit your local AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail, you’ll be evaluated by a medical professional, who may recommend a digital X-ray to diagnose a potential ankle fracture.
AFC Indian Trail 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 Indian Trail, 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 Indian Trail For Your Ankle Pain
Whether you’ve rolled your ankle or are dealing with ongoing ankle pain, getting evaluated at AFC Indian Trail can determine the root cause of your injury and ensure it heals properly. “Toughing it out” will only delay your recovery time and contribute to other long-term complications, so prompt medical care is important.
Don’t let lingering questions about your ankle injury prevent you from getting the medical care you need. Pre-register your visit online today or walk into AFC Urgent Care Indian Trail. With 7-day availability, extended hours, digital X-rays, and an experienced medical team, we make it easy to get the ankle injury care you need.