Question about a sprained / broken ankle

You should get it looked at it you are questioning whether it's broken vs sprained.


I badly sprained my foot once.....was on crutches for a couple weeks. Couldn't bear full weight on it cause it hurt bad and my foot turned black from the bruising and swelled up twice its size. That was my clue that something wasn't right

I am an ER physician. Google Ottawa ankle rules, that is the decision tool that we are supposed to use for x-raying ankles.

But, my personal experience is that I broke my ankle snowboarding a few years ago and I wouldn't have x-rayed it initially based on the rules. I walked on it for about 5 days before getting it x-rayed. I typically see much more brusing from fractures than what I had as well.

As far as recommendations, however, ice for the first 24 - 48 hours. Elevation above the level of your heart, compression with an ACE bandage help, too.

And if his foot is really swollen getting an X-ray right now might not show a fracture(at least that is what I was told at urgent care). They did initial xrays at urgent care for mine and didn't see a fracture...but my doctor made me get more X-rays a week or so later to make sure.

quote:

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make sure you put weight on it, preferably running

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Not sure if serious

i worked in an ortho trauma service for about 5.5 yrs. Go get it xrayed. Could be just a severe sprain or an avulsion fx.... or could be much worse. either way you need to be immobilized for several days for it to get better.
Elevate, ice and ibuprofen or sodium naproxen (aleve).

Quit being poor and go to the doctor.
My tax dollars will pay for you too.