Car accidents, sports trauma, and falls can result in fractures or sprains. Although they have many similar symptoms, it is tough to determine which one you have in an injury. The best way to evaluate if your ankle is fractured or sprained is to contact an ankle expert. He/she will use a CT scan or an x-ray and a physical exam to evaluate the nature of the injury. Getting sprains treatment in Waco at the earliest can save you from pain and discomfort down the road.

Symptoms of Sprain v/s a Fracture

The symptoms of sprains can differ depending on the diversity of the injury, including:

• Sprained ankle.
• Bruising.
• Swelling.
• Pain.
• Restricted potential to move the affected joint.
• Popping sound from the joint at the time of injury.

Signs of a fracture differ depending on the age, location, severity of the injury, and the patient’s general health. They usually include:

• Bruising, swelling, and pain.
• Bleeding from the open fracture.
• Failure to put weight on the injured region.
• A grating sensation in the affected joint or bone.
• Discolored skin.
• Protrusion of affected region at a strange angle.
• Not able to move the affected area.

The more serious cases of a fracture include the following symptoms:

• Nausea.
• Dizziness.
• Lightheadedness.

In this case, you need help from an emergency room near you or call Express Emergency Room Waco.

When to Suspect it’s a Fracture or a Sprain?

If the swelling is mild and occurs slowly, it indicates a sprain. But if the injured region has serious swelling, it signifies a fracture or a broken bone.

Difference Between Ankle Sprain and a Fracture

A fracture is a break in the bone. When it comes to a sprain, it’s a soft tissue injury. Fracture most typically occurs from severe falls, car accidents, or other trauma. A sprain can occur when the ligaments around the joint tear or stretch too far. It can occur due to a sports injury or a fall.

Moreover, mild to moderate sprain at home is easy to treat with anti-inflammatory medicine, ice, and proper rest. However, for severe sprains, you need surgery to heal it properly.

Ankle injuries are the most common joint and bone injuries for weekend warriors, athletes, and people that do different everyday activities. The ankle is a complicated joint consisting of tendons, ligaments, and three primary bones (like fibula, talus, and tibia). They function together to help you move.

For serious fractures, you may require a CAT or an MRI scan to identify damage to other structures. Fractures and sprains are the most common ankle injuries. The best way to ensure long-term ankle health and proper healing is to visit ER Waco, TX for immediate medical attention.

Remember, without imaging tests and comprehensive examination, it is tough to find if you have a fracture or sprain. Although you may think athletes are more prone to ankle injuries, any individual can get an ankle sprain or fracture.

Treatment of Sprain Ankle

Since fractures and sprains have numerous similar signs, it makes it difficult to know the exact cause of pain. Most healthcare providers use a “price method” to treat ankle sprains.

• Protection

To protect an injured area, the doctor recommends using a brace, splint, or crutches.

• Rest

To minimize stress from the sprain, restrict physical activities like exercising, jumping, running, etc.

• Ice

Put ice packs wrapped in a towel and use them to your ankle in increments of 20 minutes.

• Compression

To minimize swelling, slowly wrap the ankle in an elastic bandage. Elevating your ankle using pillows is also essential in treating a sprained ankle. Make sure your ankle is higher than your heart. Do this while lying down or sitting.

Treatment of Ankle Fracture

The following self-care tips are essential to follow at home to get rid of pain and swelling:

• Try to keep the ankle elevated.
• Protect the injured ankle to prevent further injury.
• Use cold packs on the affected region.

Below are the medical treatments:

Identify the splint or cast type you need and how long it will be there, depending on the joint stability and fracture type.

• If the bone gets broken via the skin, an operation is essential.
• If the bones are not realigned well in the emergency department, surgery is the only option.
• Doctors may also recommend prescription pain medicines depending on the severity of the pain.