Pain in the ankle can be caused by a variety of issues, from a minor sprain to something more serious like a fracture. It can be difficult to determine if you have broken your ankle or just sprained it, but knowing the difference is important when it comes to getting the right treatment.
To help you out, we have created this quiz that will give you an idea of what is wrong with your ankle. Read on and answer the questions to find out if your ankle is broken or sprained!
The top five most common ways for people to sprain their ankles
- Slipping on a wet surface
This is by far the most common way people sprain their ankles. It can happen anywhere there’s water—the kitchen, the bathroom, even outside on a wet sidewalk. Be extra careful when walking on slippery surfaces to avoid taking a spill.
- Falling down stairs
This is another common way people sprain their ankle. If you trip on a step or miss a step, you can easily twist your ankle and end up with a nasty sprain. Be careful when going up and down stairs, and take your time so you don’t end up taking a tumble.
- Walking or running on uneven surfaces
This is especially common for runners, but anyone can sprain their ankle by walking or running on uneven surfaces. Be mindful of where you’re walking or running, and try to stick to flat, even surfaces whenever possible.
- Wearing high heels
This is one of the most common ways women sprain their ankles. High heels can be very unstable, and it’s easy to twist your ankle if you’re not careful. If you must wear high heels, be sure to walk carefully and take your time so you don’t end up with a sprained ankle.
- Participating in sports
Many people sprain their ankle while playing sports such as basketball, football, or soccer. If you’re participating in any type of sport, be sure to wear proper footwear and pay attention to your surroundings so you don’t end up getting hurt.
The top five most common ways for people to break their ankles
- Falling down the stairs
One of the most common ways people break their ankle is by falling down the stairs. This can happen if you trip on something or lose your balance. If you fall down the stairs, it’s important to try to land on your side or your bottom to help cushion the impact.
- Slipping on ice
Another common way to break your ankle is by slipping on ice. This can be especially dangerous if you’re walking on ice that is hidden by snow. If you live in an area where it gets cold and icy, be sure to wear proper footwear and take extra care when walking outside.
- Playing Sports
Playing sports is another common way that people break their ankles. This can happen if you land awkwardly after jumping or if you get hit by another player. If you play sports, it’s important to wear proper protective gear, such as shin guards, to help reduce the risk of injury.
- Car accidents
Car accidents are another leading cause of ankle fractures. This is usually due to the force of the impact, which can cause your foot to twist or turn in an unnatural way. If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t think you’ve been injured.
- Falling from a height
Falling from a height is another common way people break their ankles. This can happen if you slip and fall off a ladder or if you jump from a high place and land awkwardly. If you’re going to be working at heights, be sure to take precautions and use safety equipment to help prevent injuries.
Is My Ankle Broken or Sprained Quiz? Find Out With These 3 Simple Questions
Take this quick 3 question quiz to help you identify your pain
Your ankle is hurt, how can you tell if it is broken or sprained? Evaluate your injury by answering these questions to get a better idea of what your ankle injury is.
Question 1: When did the pain start?
- (A) After I stepped off a curb awkwardly
- B) After I fell down some stairs
- C) After I twisted my foot while playing sports.
- D) After I heard a loud popping sound when I was walking
Answer A = sprain
Answer B = sprain
Answer C = sprain
Answer D = broken bone
This first question helps narrow down whether you might have suffered a sprain or something more serious, like a fracture. In general, sprains tend to happen after an awkward step, fall, or twist, whereas fractures are usually accompanied by a loud popping sound and immediate pain. If you answered D, it is likely that your ankle is broken, and you should see a doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Question 2: How bad is the pain?
(A) mild discomfort that increases with movement
B) Sharp pain that worsens with activity and makes walking difficult
C) Sudden, intense pain that completely immobilizes me and causes me to cry out in pain if touched even slightly.
Answer A is a sprain
Answer B is a sprain
Answer C is a broken bone.
This second question helps determine the severity of your injury based on how much your movement affects the intensity of the pain you are feeling in your ankle.
It also helps rule out certain injuries such as fractures, which often cause sudden and intense pains that make it difficult for someone to even stand up without crying out in agony due to even slight touches on their injured area.
If you answered C, then it’s likely that your ankle is broken and requires medical attention ASAP for a diagnosis and treatment options.
Question 3: What does my ankle look like?
A) Swollen but otherwise color-wise normal, with no visible deformity or deformities present upon examination or observation of my injured area(s).
B) My injured area(s) are visibly swollen, with some discoloration.
C) My injured area(s) are visibly swollen, deformed, discolored, bruised, and painful when gently touched or pressured.
Answer A = sprain
Answer B = sprain
Answer C = broken bone
This third question helps determine the severity of your injury based on the symptoms present around the injured area (e.g., swelling, discoloration, bruising).
If you answered C, then it’s very likely that something more serious than just a sprain has occurred (e.g., a fracture), so please seek medical attention ASAP for a diagnosis and treatment options before attempting any further self-treatment attempts at home (like icing, heating therapy, etc.)
Concluding thoughts about determining whether your ankle is broken or sprained
Answering the three questions above can help you determine whether your ankle is broken or simply strained or sprained. Please keep in mind that this quiz is not intended to be definitive proof of what type of injury has occurred.
That can only be determined through proper medical examination by qualified doctors or healthcare professionals who can provide X-rays or other tests needed for accurate diagnoses and treatment options.
Thank you for taking our quiz! We hope it was helpful, and that your ankle heals quickly!
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