We’ve all done it –  stepped awkwardly off a kerb or landed badly after sport. That sharp twist and sudden pain around the ankle can leave you wondering: is it sprained or broken?

A sprain happens when the ligaments stretch or tear. You’ll usually get swelling, bruising, and pain on the outside of the ankle, but you can still move your toes. A fracture often feels more intense. The pain is sharper, you might not be able to bear weight, and swelling tends to come on quickly.

If in doubt, it’s best to get an X-ray. Many people are surprised to learn that small ankle fractures can behave just like bad sprains and need different treatment to heal properly.

Whether it’s a ligament injury or a small bone break, early care makes a huge difference. Rest, elevation, and the right boot or brace can prevent long-term stiffness.

At GoodFootWork, we often see people months down the line who “just rolled it”,  but never quite recovered. Don’t let that be you.