How to Tell If an Ankle Is Sprained, Broken or Out of Joint
- 1). Decide if you can still walk on your ankle. If you're still able to walk (with a little soreness), you likely have a sprain. Sprains can be minor, such as a stretched ligament from running on an uneven surface, or more serious, as is the case with torn ligaments. If you are unable to walk, you may have a very serious sprain with torn ligaments, a fracture, or a disjointed ankle, and you should see a doctor.
- 2). Look for lumps or sharp protrusions. Regardless of the injury, you're likely to see bruising, but if your ankle has extra lumps or if you have a bone sticking out of your skin, there is a break, and you will need to see a doctor.
- 3). Look for ankle deformity. If you're experiencing pain, swelling and especially ankle deformity, you most likely have a dislocated ankle joint. This can be a serious injury if left untreated, so see a doctor.
- 4). If you're unsure, see a doctor. Fractures can be especially difficult to differentiate from sprains in a visual exam, and it's likely a doctor will take x-rays to make sure you have not broken anything.