What would you do if the doctor told you that they couldn't tell if you sprained or fractured your ankle?

I fell on Monday and either sprained my ankle or fractured my ankle. So, I was wondering what you would do since they said that they couldn't tell and all they did was give me an air-cast and crutches. I am asking would you go back and see if they could tell this time in x-rays since the swelling hasn't gone down at all even if it is elevated for the whole day except when I have to get up. I use my crutches every time so there is no weight on it at all. I ice it a few times a day and I have done everything they told me to do so I don't know if I should wait the week or go back today.

2008-03-27T10:37:16Z

I am 20.

I have had this type of problem with different doctors before. They couldn't tell last time I sprained/fractured my ankle (different doctor).

It is also the same ankle I have had problems with before. So, I don't know if it makes it even more weak for the next time something like this happen.

green3ch2008-03-27T14:11:46Z

Favorite Answer

What did it sound like when it happened? If there was a loud pop or a cracking noise you probably fractured your ankle. However, if the swelling and pain hasn't gone away in a week, I would go to another doctor and get a more qualified doctor's opinion.

LolaCorolla2008-03-27T10:28:30Z

You didn't give your age...but in younger people (under 16)...fractures don't always show up on x-ray at first because the bones are still so malleable and regenerate very quickly...which is why they usually do is a follow up x-ray in 7-10 days to see if there are any signs of callus formation (healing)...which means it IS broken and they will then treat it as a break rather than a sprain.

For now...just keep doing what you're doing.

Anonymous2016-05-18T06:02:43Z

I badly sprained my ankle about 3 weeks ago. I was in a hurry going down the stairs, lost my balance and landed on a bad side of my left foot, causing my left ankle to be stretched going on the inside. The first 48 hours were excruciating and the pain was un-believable. I've never had a serious ankle injury before.

So I immediately treated it using the RICE method. The following day, the bruising and swelling were so horrible. I found out that I got a second degree sprain and immediately panicked after that. I had a football game on that week and it been looking forward to it because I've been training for rt. I had teammates that had similar injuries and it took them months to fully recover, some of them stopped playing altogether. So I kinda had a short-term depression because I can't imagine myself not being able to run and play sports anymore.

Because I was so desperate to recover again, I contacted a lot of people that I know who do sports and asked them if they had similar injuries. One friend of mine, from the boy's football team in my university, told me about H.E.M. Ankle Rehab. I got a copy 4 days after I got injured. I immediately read and followed what was instructed and felt improvement on the first day. I was able to walk a bit, but I was in pain.

A couple of days after that, the swelling and bruising were subsid-ing significantly and on the fourth day, I was walking comfortably again. Although I've had felt a bit of stiffness, I continued doing what was instructed. My sister was surprised that I have recovered this fast. I told her about this book and was shocked on how effective the procedures were. I'm just so happy that this book was shared to me and how effective it is.

Heal your ankle fully & fast?

RandaJ2008-03-27T09:43:33Z

You should go to a different doctor and get a 2nd opinion. If they can't tell if it's a fracture or a sprain, they should probably treat it as a fracture to prevent any future problems. I thought i just sprained my ankle 15 years ago and did not have it treated. And now I still have occasional pain in that ankle as an adult.

What now?2008-03-27T11:07:49Z

I agree that you should keep doing what you're doing and get a 2nd opinion. I think an x-ray is in order especially if you've been nursing it and the swelling hasn't gone down at all. Why a fracture wouldn't show up someone your age doesn't make much sense to me unless you're a descendant of Superwoman and have lightning fast healing powers. If you've been going to a general practitioner, maybe try a specialist this time.

Show more answers (6)