How can I tell if I sprained or fractured my ankle?

[sweet_hear_15]

i was walking around a football game Friday and I was on my feet for 8 hours yesterday. I came home and my ankle was hurting. I laid on the couch and looked at my ankle. it was like double the size of my other ankle it was that swollen. I iced my ankle last night. I woke up and it was still hurting. I can put a little pressure on my ankle but not much and for not more than about a minute. also I can't turn my foot inward. like I can't bend my ankle to the side like your supposed to be able to. it really hurts and I can't walk on it. please help.

[candlewax]

You never really explained what happened. What did you do for it to swell up like that? Was it a fall? What way did your ankle turn? Did you hear any pops or snaps?

In the meantime, ice and elevate in 20 minute intervals and take advil. But you should really go see a doc to rule out a fracture.

[XNicholex3]

If it were fractured it would be bruised, like black and purple. I would wait at least a couple days and if it doesn't get any better to get an X-ray.

[candlewax]

Not always. Some fractures never appear with bruises.

[adamretex81]

if you can walk on it, its just sprained. Its probably a bad twist, but just incase of hair line fracture, get an x-ray done asap.

[WoIIie]

A large swelling usually means more than just a sprain.

[sweet_hear_15]

it wasn't largely swollen but it was swollen and I was walking around at the festival yesterday and now it hurts more

[KERMlT]

Google works wonders dear... link

[candlewax]

This video is so vague.

[KERMlT]

Considering I only spent a minute on this question, I didn't even bother to watch the video. There are other videos online that go into great length, WebMD site, and others. She could just go to the doctor to get a professional opinion.

[sweet_hear_15]

that doesn't really help. I was trying to figure it out without going to the doctor but I already know I need to go the dr ima try to go next week

[Anonymous]

never doubt your health always go to a doctor, just go to the ER and get it checked out it may be serious.