Common Pain Conditions

Even though ankle sprains are common, they are not always minor injuries. Here’s how to tell when you can treat your injury on your own, and when you need to see a doctor:

Have you ever stepped the wrong way and suddenly turned your ankle, but were able to “walk it off”? You most likely experienced a twisted ankle. When you twist your ankle, it means you have stretched the ligaments in your ankle past the usual point. Although it can be extremely painful when it happens, a twisted ankle may feel better quickly without any medical intervention. If your pain persists, consult with one of our Sports Medicine doctors to come up with a treatment plan tailored to you.

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. Ankle sprains can range from mild to severe, depending on how much damage there is to the ligaments.

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your ankle is sprained or broken. A good indication that your ankle is fractured is if you hear a cracking noise during the injury. If your ankle looks deformed or crooked, feels numb, or if you have extreme pain and cannot put any weight on it, then it is probably fractured. A doctor can confirm that your ankle is fractured using an X-ray. It is recommended that you see an orthopaedic surgeon for any ankle fracture.