"It can be tough to tell whether you have a sprain or a fracture—especially right after an injury," says Martha I. Pyron, MD, Orthopedics and Sports & Musculoskeletal Medicine at ARC Bee Cave. Whether you twisted your ankle, fell during a game, or tripped while walking, it's important to know what's going on in the injured area. "A timely diagnosis can help prevent complications and begin the healing process," says Dr. Pyron.
What is a sprain?
A sprain happens when ligaments, the strong bands that connect bones at a joint, are stretched or torn. This often occurs after a sports injury, fall, or sudden twist. If you've got a sprain, you may feel pain, see swelling, notice a bruise, or find it hard to move the affected area. Sprains are common in the ankle, knee, wrist, shoulder, and even the thumb.
What is a fracture?
A fracture means a break in the bone. This can include a complete break (bone fracture), a thin crack (hairline fracture), or a small stress-related break (stress fracture). These injuries can be caused by a hard fall, a direct hit, or even overuse—like running long distances. Signs of a fracture may include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, or changes in how the bone looks or feels. Some fractures aren't weight-bearing, which means you shouldn't put any pressure on them until they start to heal.
How do you know if you have a fracture or a sprain?
Both sprains and fractures can cause pain, swelling, and bruising, so it's not always easy to tell them apart. With a fracture, the pain may feel sharper, and it may be harder to move or use the injured area. You might also notice edema (a buildup of fluid), and in some cases, you might not be able to put any weight on the limb. A sprain, on the other hand, may allow for limited movement, but it still hurts. An orthopedic specialist can confirm the diagnosis, often using an x-ray or other imaging.
When to see an orthopedic specialist
You should see an orthopedic doctor or advanced practice clinician (APC) if your pain is severe, you can't move the joint, or the swelling doesn't go down. If you think you have a broken bone or stress fracture, get care right away. Quick intervention can help avoid more serious complications and get you back to normal movement faster.
"If you're hurt and not sure whether it's a sprain or a fracture, it's always best to get it checked so you can heal the right way and get back to doing what you love," advises Dr. Pyron. "When in doubt, check it out—getting the right diagnosis can make all the difference in healing right and feeling better faster."
Learn more about fractures and sprains.
About Dr. Pyron
Dr. Pyron specializes in non-surgical sports and musculoskeletal medicine, orthopedics for adult and pediatric care, and sports and musculoskeletal medicine for adult and pediatric care. She is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine and has a Fellowship in Primary Care Sports Medicine from Michigan State University, Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies. Dr. Pyron sees patients ages five years and older.
Make an appointment today
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pyron online, through ARC MyChart, or by calling ARC Bee Cave at 512-676-2500.