How Do You Know If Ankle Injury Is Serious?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by

extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight

on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn’t seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.

How do you know if you have a serious ankle injury?

1. Pain, especially when you bear weight on the affected foot.
2. Tenderness when you touch the ankle.
3. Swelling.
4. Bruising.
5. Restricted range of motion.
6. Instability in the ankle.
7. Popping sensation or sound at the time of injury.

What does a torn ligament in ankle feel like?

The first signs of a ligament tear are

severe swelling and bruising

. In a low ankle sprain, the bruise can track into the foot and the toes. A large swelling can appear on the outer side of your ankle. You will often no longer be able to put your full weight on the foot because of the pain.

How do you tell if your ankle is sprained or twisted?

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.

Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?

Do not walk on a sprained ankle

. The inflamed tissue needs time to heal, and walking on it too soon may cause more damage. Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that can occur from playing sports or from everyday activities.

How do I know if my foot injury is serious?

1. there’s an open wound on your foot.
2. pus is coming out of your foot.
3. you can’t walk or put weight on your foot.
4. you experience severe bleeding.
5. there are broken bones coming through your skin.
6. you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
7. you think your foot could be infected.

How long does a rolled ankle take to heal?

Mild, low-grade ankle sprains will usually heal in

one to three weeks

with proper rest and non-surgical care( such as applying ice). Moderate injuries may take between three and four weeks. Because of limited blood flow to the ligaments of the ankle, more severe injuries may take between three and six months to heal.

What is the fastest way to heal a torn ligament in the ankle?

1. Rest. Resting the ankle is key for healing, and wearing a brace can help stabilize the injured area. …
2. Ice. Using an ice pack may reduce blood flow to the injury and help ease pain and swelling. …
3. Compression. Compression helps stabilize the injured joint and may reduce swelling. …
4. Elevation.

Will xray show torn ligament in ankle?

X-rays do NOT show tendons, ligaments, nerves

, cartilage or blood vessels. X-rays typically show bones and joints, and may, at times, show the absence of skin (e.g. infection).

How does a torn ligament feel?

A torn ligament can result in varying

degrees of pain and discomfort

, depending on the extent of the injury. It may produce heat, extensive inflammation, popping or cracking noises, severe pain, instability within the joint and an inability to put weight or pressure on the joint.

Should I go to the hospital 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.

How can you tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture?

A sprain is classified as a stretched or torn ligament or tendon, while a

fracture is a broken bone

. If you’re experiencing pain around the soft tissue but not over your bone, it’s likely that you have a sprain and not a break. Typically you can move the affected limb with a sprain as well.

What should I do for a twisted ankle?

1. Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.
2. Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you’re awake. …
3. Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. …
4. Elevation.

Can walking on a sprained foot make it worse?

Yes

. That’s the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

Can a sprained ankle get worse?

If your symptoms last more than a week without getting better, or if they seem to be getting worse and are accompanied by a fever, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. More severe sprains should be treated by a healthcare provider.

When is it safe to walk on a sprained ankle?

A grade 1 sprain causes little damage to the ligaments, and although the ankle will be tender for a few days, you can walk on it

after a short period of rest

. At grade 2 sprain, there is some tearing of the tissues and a longer recovery time of up to 4 weeks.