Does an ankle injury diagnosis mean a fracture or sprain?

Question

Hello doctor,

I got a grade three sprain in my ankle while I was playing volleyball about three weeks ago. It has been hurting since it happened, and I thought it was getting better, but it is starting to hurt quite a bit more. It has been swollen since it happened, and it had a lot of bruising for the first week. It hurts in my ankle bone and in the back of my ankle.

When I put pressure on it, it also hurts on the outside of my foot. I have been seeing my school's athletic trainer, and she does not think it is broken, but I am not positive, and I am worried if it is fractured or broken. How can I find it?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

If there is bruising, swelling, and pain increasing gradually, then internal injuries can be suspected. There will be a significant change in movement in case of a fracture, and it becomes very difficult to move or walk. In both these cases, plaster is required to stabilize pain and swelling.

So first, I would suggest you send me your age and do an X-ray of the ankle, then you can send me the reports and pictures of the affected leg. I will check and let you know. For now, you can put a bandage on it and walk with support. Do not put much pressure on it.

Please let me know for further queries.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.