Is It a Sprain or a Fracture? How to Tell the Difference
The symptoms of a fracture in your foot or ankle can closely mirror the symptoms of a sprain. This guide helps you figure out what’s going on — and decide if it’s time to see a doctor.
How Long Does It Take For An Ankle Sprain To Heal?
Ankle sprains are common and unwelcome. Whether you sprain your ankle due to a sports injury, a work accident, or from walking down the stairs in your house, a sprain can upend your life. Suddenly, getting anywhere can become a lot more challenging. If you have places to be and things to do, you’re probably wondering how quickly you can get over your sprain.
We can help with that. Our providers at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, can evaluate your ankle injury and give you a timeline for healing. At the same time, we can develop a treatment plan to help you get back on your feet as fast as possible.
Ankle sprains and healing times
A sprain is an injury in which ligaments — which connect bones together — overly stretch or tear. As with any injury, the more severe your sprain is, the longer you’ll need to be off your feet. Most minor sprains heal in about two weeks, but a more serious one could have you hobbling around for a few months.
Furthermore, this also assumes that your injury is actually a sprain and not a fracture. If it’s a fracture, you could be in recovery mode even longer. You could have a fracture if any of the following symptoms apply to you:
- You experience immediate, sharp pain
- You can’t put any weight on the area
- There’s a visible deformity in your foot or ankle
- It’s swollen or bruised and tender to the touch
It’s important to note that some of these signs, such as swelling, can also indicate a sprain. To confirm you don’t have a fracture, pay us a visit. Our team can X-ray your foot to determine if you sprained your ankle or if your injury is more serious.
Shortening your healing time
If your injury is a sprain, you largely play a waiting game as your body’s natural healing processes go to work. However, there are things you can do to help your body heal.
For example, you should do your best to support your ankle and keep weight off of it. To help with this, we may recommend wearing a brace or splint. We may also recommend taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Furthermore, we may recommend using the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, to help bring down any swelling.
In short, staying off of your ankle and following our at-home care instructions can go a long way toward helping you heal as fast as possible. Following the right treatment plan might even mean getting back on your feet in days rather than weeks.
If you have an ankle injury, we can give it a thorough evaluation and discuss your next steps. To learn more, call 856-381-0310 to book an appointment with Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
New Year, Healthier You: 4 Resolutions for Your Feet
As we prepare to ring in the new year, we want to help you bid farewell to common foot and ankle problems. We’d also like to help you avoid them altogether. These four resolutions will help you accomplish that goal.
Don't Let Foot Pain Ruin Your Holiday Fun: A Survival Guide
During this festive but jam-packed time of year, foot pain can be particularly bothersome, especially when you’re running to shop for gifts and standing at family or work parties. The good news? Help is available.
5 Ways to Prevent Common Winter Foot and Ankle Problems
As winter arrives and temperatures drop, your risk for certain foot and ankle issues climbs. Fortunately, you can take steps to prevent many of the most common wintertime podiatric problems.
What to Do Immediately After an Ankle Sprain
Spraining an ankle is never pleasant — but if you know what to do after the injury, you can make your recovery a lot less painful. Keep reading to learn our recommendations for making your next steps easier.
When Does Hammertoe Require Surgery?
You’ve been managing your hammertoe for a while. Still, if your hammertoe has gone rigid and won’t respond to more conservative treatment options, it’s probably time to think seriously about surgery.