How do I tell the difference between a sprained ankle and a twisted ankle?!

How do I tell the difference between a sprained ankle and a twisted ankle?

I fell on my right ankle yesterday and I don't know if I sprained it or twisted it. How do I tell?

A sprain and a twist are pretty much the same thing. The biggest question is whether any of the tiny bones in the ankle or foot could be fractured (broken). Either broken or just sprained, you may have a big goose-egg of swelling and bruising that might not show up until tomorrow. Don't let that frighten you.

What you probably really want to know, though, is how best to treat your injury. Most orthopedists recommend RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). REST your ankle as much as possible. Stay off it. Have someone else do your housework for you, and if possible, take a couple days off work. Use an ICE bag if you have one, and if you don't, get a ziplock baggie big enough to hold enough ice in it to drape across and underneath your ankle, sort of like a loop. You may need two ice bags to do it. Think 20 minutes on, 20 off, alternating. Don't use any type of heat at this point. That might aggravate the inflammation. (Ice is a magic cure for a lot of different types of pain, even a headache!). Next, for COMPRESSION, if you have one handy, use an Ace bandage to wrap the ankle. Don't wrap it too tight, but just enough to make it snug and give you some comfort. Lastly, ELEVATE your ankle. If you could prop it up with some pillows underneath your ankle, with the ice bag on, Ace bandage, and someone else doing your work for you, you won't believe how much better it will feel in a couple of days. It will be sore for a couple of weeks, so you must be very careful not to reinjure it. If it does not start feeling better within 24-48 hours, you should have it x-rayed to make sure nothing is fractured (broken). It may also be a good idea to call your local pharmacist and ask what over-the-counter painkiller or anti-inflammatory would be suitable for treating your discomfort. (Also, if you have any type of health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, try to see your doctor as soon as possible. You want to make sure a hidden blood clot does not occur from the tissue damage that happened with the sprain. Just to be on the safe side, if you are concerned about it, see your doctor.)

Good luck with your ankle. I broke mine 3 years ago, got over it fine, but sprained it again a month or so ago. I believe I may have "weak ankles," but whatever the cause is, the pain is intense, whether it is broken, sprained, strained, twisted, or whatever.

And, for what it's worth, milk your friends and family for sympathy and let them spoil you rotten. Watch TV, movies, read, and get plenty of rest. Drink lots of fluids (even though you'll have to go to the bathroom more), because that will help the tissues heal more quickly.

Take care!!!