Ankle injuries happen in an instant. You could roll your ankle on uneven pavement, make an awkward landing during a workout, or misstep while hiking through Wilson Creek to take in the waterfalls and fall colors.
One minute, you’re enjoying your day. The next, your ankle may be swollen, tender, and painful. Suddenly, you’re left wondering how serious the ankle injury may be, whether you’ve sprained or fractured your ankle, and if it’s time to seek medical care.
When you need answers, your local AFC Urgent Care Lenoir can help. Walk ins are welcome, and our clinic provides on-site digital X-rays when needed to evaluate and determine the best treatment for your ankle injury.
The Ankle: A Weight-Bearing Joint
Your ankle is a complex joint that supports you, while allowing your foot to move. It consists of three main bones (the tibia, fibula, and talus) along with ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to keep the joint stable and mobile.
Because your ankles carry your body weight and absorb pressure throughout the day, they can be susceptible to sudden twists, rolls, and other injuries. Two of the most common ankle injuries are sprains and fractures, also known as broken ankles. Although they are different injuries, both can lead to pain, swelling, and tenderness.
What Causes an Ankle Sprain?
An ankle sprain affects the ligaments, which are strong bands of tissue that connect the bones and help stabilize the joint. A sudden twist, turn, or awkward landing can stretch these ligaments beyond their normal range or cause them to tear.
Sprains can range from mild to severe. A minor sprain may cause some swelling and discomfort while still allowing you to put weight on the ankle. A more serious sprain can cause considerable swelling and pain and may make standing or walking difficult.
Ankle Fractures Explained
A broken ankle can involve different types of fractures, each with varying levels of severity. A complete fracture occurs when a bone breaks entirely, separating into two or more pieces. These injuries occur suddenly and require an immediate ER visit.
An incomplete fracture is a partial break in the bone. Stress fractures, sometimes referred to as hairline fractures, are one type of incomplete fracture. Rather than resulting from a single traumatic injury, stress fractures develop as tiny cracks from repeated stress or overuse. They are particularly common in the weight-bearing bones of the lower leg and foot.
Stress fractures can develop over time as repetitive activities place ongoing stress on the bone. Athletes and people participating in high-impact activities, including running, dancing, and jumping, may be more susceptible. When the bone does not have enough time to recover between activities, these small cracks can develop and lead to persistent pain and discomfort.
Can You Tell a Sprain From a Fracture?
It’s common to think a sprain is less serious than a fracture, but that is not necessarily true. A severe sprain can cause significant pain and symptoms that are similar to those of a broken ankle.
Typical ankle sprain symptoms may include:
- Swelling and bruising, especially around the outside of the ankle after a twist or roll.
- Pain and tenderness in the soft tissue surrounding the joint rather than directly over the bone.
- Stiffness and decreased range of motion, although some movement may still be possible.
Potential signs of a broken ankle include:
- Significant pain or tenderness directly over the bone.
- An ankle that appears visibly deformed or misshapen.
- A popping or cracking sound or sensation when the injury occurs.
- Difficulty or inability to stand or walk on the affected ankle.
Even if your injury initially seems manageable, continuing to use it without proper evaluation can potentially slow recovery and may also contribute to persistent discomfort or other complications.
What Should You Do After an Ankle Injury?
It can be difficult to determine whether you have a sprain or fracture based on symptoms alone. If you’ve experienced a minor ankle injury and have mild discomfort, the R.I.C.E. Method can be a helpful first step for managing ankle pain and swelling:
- Rest: Limit activities that put additional stress on your ankle and allow the injured area time to recover.
- Ice: Wrap an ice pack in a towel and apply it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You can repeat this approximately every three hours.
- Compression: Gently wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage to help reduce and control swelling.
- Elevation: While resting, place several pillows underneath your ankle to keep it elevated.
Although the RICE method may help with mild symptoms, it should not take the place of professional medical evaluation available at AFC Urgent Care Lenoir when the ankle injury is more severe.
When Is Ankle Pain a Reason to Seek Care?
A medical provider at AFC Urgent Care Lenoir can examine your ankle and determine whether you may have a sprain, fracture, or another injury. If you experience any of the following symptoms, visit AFC Lenoir as soon as possible:
- Moderate to severe pain that persists or worsens without improvement after 48 hours.
- Increasing or significant swelling or bruising.
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking normally.
- Numbness or tingling in the ankle or foot.
When Is a Digital X-Ray Needed?
At AFC Urgent Care Lenoir, a medical provider will examine your ankle and may recommend an digital X-ray if a fracture is suspected. Digital X-rays produce clear, sharp images that can give your provider detailed information about the injured area. Compared with traditional X-ray technology, digital imaging can provide a faster turnaround and lower radiation exposure. At AFC Lenoir, X-rays are performed by an experienced, certified technician and typically take approximately 15 minutes.
Our clinic also offers durable medical equipment, including braces and boots, to provide support and help you begin recovering after an ankle injury.
Need Ankle Injury Care in Lenoir?
If you’ve rolled your ankle or are experiencing persistent, mild ankle pain, an evaluation at AFC Urgent Care Lenoir can help determine the extent of your injury and whether you need additional treatment.
Our clinic is open 7 days a week with extended hours and offers an on-site digital X-ray lab, making it convenient to get your ankle evaluated when you need care. Prompt treatment can help you move beyond the pain and get back to enjoying an afternoon visit to the Apple Hill Orchard and Cider Mill.
Walk in or pre-register online at AFC Urgent Care Lenoir today!