Ankle pain can make everyday movement difficult, whether you’re walking, working, exercising, or playing sports. If the pain started after you twisted or rolled your ankle, you may be wondering whether you have a sprain, a strain, or another type of injury.
One of the first questions you may have is: Is it a strain or a sprain?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, ankle sprains and strains affect different tissues. Understanding the difference can help you know what may have happened and when it is time to seek care.
What’s the Difference Between a Strain and a Sprain?
The main difference between a strain and a sprain is the type of tissue that is injured.
An ankle sprain occurs when one or more ligaments are stretched or torn. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilize the ankle joint. Sprains commonly occur when the ankle suddenly twists or rolls beyond its normal range of motion.
An ankle strain affects a muscle or tendon. Tendons connect muscles to bones, and a strain can occur when these tissues are overstretched or injured. Strains may develop suddenly or from repetitive stress and overuse.
Both injuries can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, which can make it difficult to determine exactly what happened without an evaluation.
Signs of an Ankle Sprain
If you rolled your ankle and felt immediate pain, you may have an ankle sprain. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include:
- Pain around the ankle
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Difficulty putting weight on the ankle
- Reduced range of motion
- A feeling that the ankle is unstable
Some people may still be able to walk with a mild sprain, while more significant ligament injuries can make bearing weight difficult.
Signs of an Ankle Strain
An ankle strain can cause symptoms similar to a sprain, but the discomfort comes from an injured muscle or tendon rather than a ligament.
Common symptoms may include:
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Muscle tenderness or soreness
- Swelling
- Muscle weakness
- Limited movement
- Muscle cramping or spasms
Because sprains, strains, and even fractures can have overlapping symptoms, pain alone may not tell you which type of injury you have. If it hurts to walk on your ankle or your symptoms are significant or not improving, an evaluation can help determine the cause.
What Should You Do After Rolling Your Ankle?
After an ankle injury, protecting the area and avoiding activities that increase your pain can help prevent further injury while you determine whether additional care is needed.
Depending on the injury, early treatment may include rest or activity modification, ice, elevation, and support with an ankle brace or other form of immobilization. An ankle brace can help provide additional stability and limit movements that may aggravate an injured ligament, muscle, or tendon.
Treatment should be based on the type and severity of the injury. More significant injuries may require additional immobilization, physical therapy, or other treatment to restore strength, stability, and range of motion.
When Should You See a Foot and Ankle Specialist?
Not every rolled ankle requires specialized treatment, but persistent or significant symptoms should not be ignored.
Consider an evaluation if:
- It hurts to walk on your ankle or you cannot comfortably bear weight
- Swelling or bruising is significant
- Pain is severe or getting worse
- Your ankle feels unstable
- Movement is significantly limited
- Symptoms are not improving
- You have had repeated ankle sprains
An evaluation is also important because what seems like a sprain can sometimes be a fracture or another foot or ankle injury.
LBJI’s foot and ankle team treats injuries and conditions involving the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend imaging to help determine the extent of the injury and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does an ankle sprain usually take to heal?
Recovery depends on how severely the ligament was injured. A mild sprain may improve relatively quickly, while a more significant ligament injury can require a longer period of protection and rehabilitation. Your provider can help determine when it is safe to resume normal activities.
Do I need to go to urgent care for a sprained ankle?
If ankle pain, swelling, or difficulty walking requires prompt attention, orthopedic urgent care may be appropriate. LBJI Orthopedic Urgent Care provides walk-in evaluation for ankle sprains, strains, suspected fractures, and other acute orthopedic injuries, with on-site X-rays available when needed to help evaluate a possible fracture.
Can I sleep with an ankle brace on?
Whether you should wear an ankle brace while sleeping depends on the type of brace and your specific injury. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider rather than changing how long you wear the brace on your own.
Why does my ankle keep rolling after a previous sprain?
Repeated ankle sprains can sometimes lead to chronic ankle instability, especially if the ligaments have not fully healed or strength and balance have not been restored. A foot and ankle specialist can evaluate recurrent instability and recommend treatment to help protect the joint.
When can I return to sports after an ankle injury?
Returning to sports should be based on your recovery rather than a set number of days. Before returning, you may need to regain adequate strength, range of motion, balance, and ankle stability. Returning too soon may increase the risk of another injury. LBJI’s sports medicine specialists can help athletes safely progress back to activity after an injury.
Getting Back on Your Feet
Whether you have an ankle sprain, ankle strain, or another injury, the right diagnosis can help you start an appropriate treatment plan and get back to the activities you enjoy.
At Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, our foot and ankle specialists evaluate ankle injuries ranging from mild sprains and strains to fractures, tendon injuries, and chronic ankle instability. Treatment is personalized based on your injury and may include conservative options such as bracing and physical therapy or more advanced treatment when necessary.
If ankle pain is making it difficult to walk, work, play sports, or stay active, schedule an appointment with an LBJI foot and ankle specialist or visit Orthopedic Urgent Care for an acute injury.