To know if an ankle is broken, look for these signs:
- Instant throbbing or sharp pain right after injury.
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle.
- Tenderness and pain when touching the area.
- Visible deformity or a change in the usual shape of the ankle.
- Trouble or inability to put weight on the ankle or walk.
- Hearing a snapping, cracking, or grinding sound at the time of injury.
- An ankle that looks crooked, uneven, or twisted out of place.
- Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the ankle or toes.
- Bone protruding through the skin (open fracture), though this is less common.
These symptoms are usually more intense than a sprain and often make movement difficult or impossible. If there is any suspicion of a broken ankle, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately for an accurate diagnosis, typically by X-ray, and proper treatment.
If the ankle has severe pain, swelling, deformity, or inability to bear weight, emergency care is strongly advised.
