What’s the Difference Between a Sprain and a Fracture?

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"What's the Difference Between a Sprain and a Fracture?"

When you twist your ankle or fall awkwardly, it can be hard to tell: Did I sprain it or break it?

Here’s how they differ:

• Sprain: Injury to ligaments (the bands connecting bones). Common symptoms: swelling, bruising, pain with movement.

• Fracture: A break in the bone. It might be clean or involve multiple fragments. Fractures can also swell and bruise but often include deformity or inability to bear weight.

So how do you know which it is?

• If there’s severe pain, visible deformity, or you can’t put any weight on it, get an X-ray.

• Even mild sprains benefit from orthopedic evaluation to prevent long-term instability.

Key Tip: Don’t “walk it off.” A minor fracture treated like a sprain can lead to poor healing or future arthritis.

"What's the Difference Between a Sprain and a Fracture?"

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