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Original poster

How to tell a sprain from a fracture?

32 replies

Soubriquet · 15/09/2021 16:13

Dd twisted her ankle doing hopscotch today

Got it iced at school, went to do PE, struggled and got it iced again.

She’s now at home resting with another ice pack but it doesn’t look pleasant

She can walk on it but it hurts to do so. There’s no bruising (yet) but there is this lovely lump.

I want to take her for an x-ray. Dh is saying it’s just a sprain and she will probably need tomorrow off school instead

$How to tell a sprain from a fracture?$

OP posts:

Littlelightchink · 15/09/2021 16:16

You can't tell, the only way is an x-ray.

(I did exactly the same a couple of years ago - while walking rather than hopscotch! - and this is what 111 said).

A sprain can be worse than a fracture too.

Off to A&E with her...

RoseGoldGlasses · 15/09/2021 16:18

Best to get an x ray

Blossomtoes · 15/09/2021 16:19

She needs an X-ray.

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memememe · 15/09/2021 16:19

if she cant stand on it then id get an xray. i know some people can stand on broken bones and some people cant stand on sprains, but thats what i go on....

Cupidity · 15/09/2021 16:20

Id get an xray just to be safe. - I say this as someone whose parents thought I'd "bruised" something which then actually after a week of me moaning, turned out to be broken.

A&E can be very busy, sometimes minor injuries will get you seen quicker (if you have both options locally)

FleasInMyKnees · 15/09/2021 16:20

It is very swollen, she needs an xray,

Original poster

Soubriquet · 15/09/2021 16:20

Thanks all. I’ll get it checked out

She can walk on it but it hurts to do so and she’s limping a lot

OP posts:

stripedbananas · 15/09/2021 16:22

No harm getting an X-ray

LIZS · 15/09/2021 16:22

Probably a sprain but minor injuries can assess and X-ray, if you have one which includes under 18s.

Useyourfork · 15/09/2021 16:26

If it’s a funny shape get an X-ray.
Keep icing it 15-20mins on 15-20mins off and elevate when possible.
From experience, the minor injury a &es with an X-ray department are generally quieter and quicker than the big city hospitals A &Es for things like this. Just check before hand when the X-ray dept is open though.

Crocky · 15/09/2021 16:27

I’m adding to the x-ray votes.
I coped with a broken wrist for a week thinking it was just a sprain so you really can’t tell just by looking.

RandomWordGenerator · 15/09/2021 16:28

X Ray.

I have a DC who’s broken a few bones, and it’s not always obvious re bruising.

IglesiasPiggle · 15/09/2021 16:31

I'd take her for an x-ray. You can't tell by looking, even medical professionals can't always. I had an accident once and none of the paramedics or Doctors thought that my arm was broken. I was the only one who was in no doubt. An x-ray showed a severe fracture that required surgery.

Fingers crossed that it is just a sprain though. I hope that she feels better soon.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 15/09/2021 16:34

I was really confused as to what I was looking at for ages there in terms of the angle of the photo.

I used to sprain my ankle and it looked exactly like this playing netball, about once every 2-3 years I'd get a nice one and apply RICE and a tubi-grip for 1-2 weeks. I wouldn't play impact sport during that time. You might want to look at some ankle strengthening exercises too.

I don't the break is so much of a worry as to the difference between a sprain and a ligament tear. Xrays can detect a torn ligament and they need more treatment (definitely physio). I imagine a sprain could turn into a tear because it's a weakness hence taking it easy.

If it was an ankle break I think the pain would be pretty high. You may find a helpful video on You Tube. If the pain doesn't go down tomorrow I would definitely seek advice.

Hopefully someone with actual knowledge will reply too!

idontlikealdi · 15/09/2021 16:38

That looks horrendous. Minor injuries for sure. I've had to take mine in the past and they X-ray. Send them away until a radiographer can properly review and then call back.

MistySkiesAfterRain · 15/09/2021 16:38

Oops people have replied! I was fobbed off with a hand fracture as a kid, but knew the pain was something more, and agree you never know but the xray will tell you.

Ethelswith · 15/09/2021 16:38

I've had two DC each getting an injury that looked pretty much like that, and matches your description. One was an avulsion fracture, one was a nasty sprain.

I'd definitely go to the most convenient place where you can get her x-rayed

safariboot · 15/09/2021 16:39

Minor injuries if there is one - call ahead and ask if they can see a possible broken ankle because I think some will just send you to a&e anyway.

Wolfiefan · 15/09/2021 16:39

Hope she’s ok. I broke my ankle 15 years ago. I thought I had just sprained it until it hadn’t healed after a month. I know. I know. Still plays me up!
Hope hers is better very soon.

Bluntness100 · 15/09/2021 16:39

What’s wrong with your husband? That’s very swollen and an odd shape, she needs x raging,

Cuddlemonsters · 15/09/2021 16:42

Hope she is okay. Yeah, needs an X ray. My top tip would be to check out local walk in centres as ours do X rays and then refer if it’s actually broken. Saves spending hours waiting in A &E for what turns out to be a sprain.

NotMyCat · 15/09/2021 17:05

X ray
My dad told me off for wasting the hospitals time, I was walking on it, it wasn't swollen or bruised
Broken. Ankle and foot in several places. Still no idea how I did it

Gladioli23 · 15/09/2021 17:13

This is something where round here they'd recommend you used "111 first" - they can get you booked in for an X-ray etc at a particular time, so you don't just have to sit in a and e for ages. www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2020-11-30/think-you-need-go-ae-call-nhs-111-first

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 15/09/2021 17:18

X-ray definitely!

spiderlight · 15/09/2021 17:23

X-ray, definitely. Better safe than sorry. My DS had a fall at a sporting event last month and landed on his wrist. It wasn't particularly painful and everyone there was sure it was just a sprain, if that, but it swelled up a lot so his coach took him to A&E to be on the safe side (they were at a residential camp and we were five hours away). He'd broken his distal radius.

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