How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?
Symptoms
- Pain, especially when you bear weight on the affected foot.
- Tenderness when you touch the ankle.
- Swelling.
- Bruising.
- Restricted range of motion.
- Instability in the ankle.
- Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury.
Does bruising mean your ankle is broken?
As time passes ecchymosis (bruising) may occur. This can be extensive; however, this does not necessarily mean the ankle is broken. More severe ankle sprains present with significant ecchymosis over the region of injury.
What does it mean when you twist your ankle and it turns purple?
But if your whole body weight suddenly forces the ankle to roll inwards, those ligaments will get suddenly stretched and injured… and that’s what we call a sprained ankle. If blood vessels are also damaged, then your ankle will become purple or other funny colors.
How do you tell if your ankle is fractured or bruised?
While swelling is a symptom of both injuries, if your ankle looks clearly “off,” it’s most likely because a bone is broken. Does your ankle feel numb? With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken.
How do you know if its a sprain or a break?
If you can walk with soreness, it is unlikely that it is broken. Is there significant swelling? If the injured area experiences immediate and severe swelling, that could be a sign of a broken bone or fracture. However, if the swelling is mild and develops gradually, it is likely a sprain or strain.
Why is my sprained ankle black and blue?
The black and blue appearance of your ankle occurs because tiny blood vessels within the soft tissues (called capillaries) have been torn. When these tiny vessels are damaged, blood is allowed to escape the vessels and leak into the tissue.
Should you go to the ER for a sprained ankle?
Go to urgent care if your pain level and swelling is significant and you have difficulty walking, to the point that you need assistance, due to the pain. Go to the emergency room if your foot is bruised, deformed, or you are unable to walk at all. You may have a fracture, broken bone or serious ligament damage.
What is the difference between a sprained ankle and a twisted ankle?
A sprained ankle is similar to a twisted ankle but to a greater degree. When you sprain your ankle, it means you have stretched, and possibly even torn, the ligaments of your ankle. If your ankle is swollen, bruised and painful after you twist it, then you have most likely sprained it.