We’ve all taken a misstep or fallen participating in everyday life. If you’ve twisted your ankle in the process, the pain can make it hard to tell whether you’re dealing with a sprain or a fracture. While both of these types of injuries have similar symptoms, like pain and swelling, they are very different and involve damage to different parts of the body and treatment can vary significantly. Knowing which one you’re dealing with matters for proper treatment and recovery.
Here’s a breakdown to help you understand the difference and know when to seek care.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament, the tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other around a joint. Sprains commonly occur in the ankles, wrists and knees, when a joint twists or rolls suddenly and unexpectedly.
Symptoms of a sprain include:
- pain around the joint
- swelling
- bruising
- stiffness or reduced mobility
- pain that worsens with movement
Treatment for a sprain varies based on severity and location. Most mild sprains improve with at-home care including rest, ice, and elevation, more severe ligament injuries may need physical therapy.
What is a fracture?
On the other hand, a fracture happens when a bone cracks or breaks due to trauma, like a fall or accident, or repeated stress on the bone.
Broken bones can vary in severity and type. They are typically classified by the break pattern, location, or cause. Here are a few of the most common types of fractures:
- Stable fracture (aka a non-displaced fracture): the broken pieces of the bone line up and are barely out of place.
- Open (compound) fracture: there is a break in the skin caused either by the bone piercing the skin or an impact that breaks the skin at the time of the fracture.
- Transverse fracture: the break has a horizontal fracture line.
- Oblique fracture: the fracture line is angled.
- Comminuted fracture: the bone is shattered into three or more pieces.
- Stress fractures: often called a hairline fracture, is a tiny crack in the bone caused by repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event.
Although all broken bones are considered serious and should be evaluated by a provider as soon as possible, compound fractures, or breaks that pierce the skin, are especially serious due to the increased risk of infection.
Symptoms of a broken bone include:
- sharp or intense pain at the injury site, especially when touched
- swelling and tenderness
- visible deformity or misalignment
- inability to bear weight
- pain even when the area isn’t moving
Treatment for a fracture really depends on severity. Some treatment options include:
- Splint or cast to stabilize the bone
- Realignment if bones are out of place
- Surgery for more complex injuries
Healing may take anywhere from several weeks to a few months.
How do you tell if it’s a sprain or a fracture?
It’s not always obvious without imaging, but certain signs can help.
It might be a sprain if:
- You can still put some weight on it
- Pain is centered around a joint and during movement
- Swelling develops gradually
- There’s no visible deformity
It may be a fracture if:
- You cannot bear weight at all
- Pain is sharp, severe and immediate
- The area appears misshapen or out of place
- Pain persists even at rest
Can a fracture feel like a sprain?
Yes, a minor broken bone or stress fracture can feel similar to a sprain. There may be swelling and discomfort but no deformity. That’s why it’s important to see a provider when you think you have a sprain, especially if the pain is persistent or symptoms worsen with time.
Can you walk on a fracture?
Sometimes, especially with minor broken bones or stress fractures, you can walk, but it is usually painful. Being able to walk doesn’t fully rule out a fracture.
When to seek medical attention
It’s essential to seek medical attention for both sprains and fractures, especially if you:
- experience severe pain or swelling
- are unable to bear weight on the injured limb
- have visible deformity or an abnormal appearance of the affected area
- suspect a bone may be broken
For most sprains and fractures, you can visit the nearest NGPG Walk-in Orthopedic Clinic, schedule an appointment with NGPG Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine or visit your closest NGPG Urgent Care. There your provider can properly assess your injury and provide the right treatment plan for you and your specific health needs.
Please note: Although all broken bones are considered serious and should be evaluated by a provider as soon as possible, compound fractures, or breaks that pierce the skin, are especially serious due to the increased risk of infection. If your break opens the skin, it is important to go to the emergency department for care.
Why is it important to know the difference between a sprain and fracture?
Understanding the differences between sprains and fractures is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment that could include surgery. While both injuries can be painful and disruptive, knowing how to differentiate between them can help guide appropriate management and promote optimal recovery.
If you suspect you have sustained a sprain or fracture, reach out and make an appointment today with NGPG Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.