Sprained ankle or broken ankle? When should I get it checked?
This page provides general health information and does not replace assessment by a health professional. If you are unsure what care is needed, Shorecare can assess your injury. Call 111 in an emergency
Ankle injuries are a very common presentation we see at Shorecare. Many simple sprains will improve with rest, support and time, while others may involve a broken bone, tendon injury, significant ligament injury, or joint instability. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture without an assessment.
Even when there is no broken bone, a sprain can still be a significant injury and may need support, strapping, a moon boot, crutches, pain relief advice, rehabilitation guidance, or follow-up care. So it pays to get it checked.
Shorecare can assess ankle injuries, including sprains and suspected fractures. When clinically appropriate, many of our nurses can request X-rays at triage, which means imaging may be started before you are seen by a doctor or nurse specialist.
Call 111 or go to the emergency department now if:
There has been major trauma, such as a serious fall or vehicle accident.
The person is very unwell, faint, confused, drowsy, pale, clammy, or has severe pain.
There is a bone sticking out, a badly deformed ankle, or heavy bleeding.
The foot is cold, blue, numb, very weak, or the pain is rapidly worsening.
An ankle injury should be checked if:
You cannot put weight on the injured foot or ankle.
You have significant swelling, bruising, deformity, or severe pain.
You heard or felt a snap, crack, or pop at the time of injury.
The pain or swelling is not improving after a day or two, or symptoms are getting worse.
A child is limping, refusing to walk, or cannot settle after an ankle or foot injury.
Is it a sprain or a fracture?
A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that support a joint. A fracture is a broken bone. Both can cause pain, swelling, bruising and difficulty walking, so it is not always easy to tell the difference.
Some fractures are obvious because the ankle looks deformed or the pain is severe. Others can look like a sprain at first. An assessment can help decide whether an X-ray is needed and what treatment is best.
Do I need an X-ray for a sprained ankle?
Not every ankle injury needs an X-ray. A clinician will usually ask what happened, examine your ankle and foot, check where the pain is, look for swelling or deformity, and assess whether you can put weight on it. A decision will then be made about whether an X-ray is required.
Why should a sprain be assessed?
Sprains can be more significant than they first appear. A poorly treated ankle sprain can lead to ongoing pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, reduced confidence, or the ankle giving way again.
Getting the right treatment early can help recovery and reduce the risk of longer-term problems. Depending on the injury, treatment may include support, strapping, a moon boot, crutches, pain relief advice, rehabilitation guidance, or follow-up care.
What should I do before coming in?
Rest the injured ankle.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods.
Use compression or support if comfortable.
Keep the ankle raised if possible.
Avoid putting weight on the injury if it is very painful.
Use simple pain relief if you can take it safely.
Do not force the ankle to move if it is very painful.
Do not try to “walk it off” if you cannot weight-bear normally.
How Shorecare can help
Shorecare can assess ankle injuries, including sprains, suspected fractures, sports injuries, and workplace injuries.
Depending on the injury, care may include clinical assessment, X-ray through our radiology partner Canopy Imaging, pain relief advice, strapping, splinting, a moon boot, crutches, plastering, ACC documentation, referral for hospital or specialist care, or follow-up orthopaedic/fracture clinic review.
When clinically appropriate, many of our nurses can request X-rays at triage, so imaging may be started before you are seen by a doctor or nurse specialist.
If an ankle injury is more serious, Shorecare can assess and stabilise you and arrange transfer to hospital by ambulance if needed.
If you are unsure whether your ankle injury is a sprain or fracture, we are here to provide a full assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I come to Shorecare for a sprained ankle?
Yes. Sprains can be significant injuries and may need assessment, support, strapping, a moon boot, crutches, pain relief advice, rehabilitation guidance, or follow-up care.
Can I have a broken ankle and still walk on it?
Sometimes, yes. Being able to walk does not always rule out a fracture, although it can be a reassuring sign. If you have significant pain, swelling, bruising, bone tenderness, instability, or symptoms are not improving, you should get it checked.
Can Shorecare arrange an X-ray for an ankle injury?
Yes. Shorecare can arrange X-rays when clinically appropriate through our radiology partner Canopy Imaging. Many of our nurses can request X-rays at triage, which may allow imaging to be started before you are seen by a doctor or nurse specialist.
Should I go to Shorecare or the emergency department for an ankle injury?
Shorecare can assess many ankle injuries, including sprains and suspected fractures. Call 111 or go directly to the emergency department for major trauma, a bone sticking out, heavy bleeding, a cold or blue foot, severe worsening pain, or if the person is very unwell.
Can Shorecare help with ACC ankle injuries?
Yes. Shorecare can assess and treat ACC ankle injuries, including sprains, suspected fractures, sports injuries, workplace injuries and falls.
What happens if my ankle injury is more serious?
If the injury is more serious, Shorecare can assess and stabilise you and arrange referral to hospital, specialist care, or transfer by ambulance if needed.