Dr Oz: Is Your Ankle Broken? Sprained? Strained? Fractured?

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Doctor Oz did an episode on how to figure out if your ankle is broken, sprained, strained or fractured.  Women are more prone to injuries than men, and the part of the body that most commonly gets sprained, strained or broken is the ankle!  You have tendons that let your leg move back and forward at the ankle joint.  In the back of your ankle is the Achilles Tendon.  You also have ligaments in your ankle.  To figure out if your broke, sprain or strain your ankle – Dr Oz said it is all about what did you hear? see? and feel? 

Signs of Ankle Strain

With an ankle strain, there will be no sound, it will look normal or like a knot, and you will feel some cramping when you walk.

Signs of Ankle Sprain

With an ankle sprain, there will be a popping sound, it will look red and swollen and you will walk with a limp.

Signs of Ankle Fracture

With an ankle fracture, you will hear a grinding sound, it will look lumpy and you will be able to take 4 steps at most.

RICE Acronym for Ankle Injury

R – Rest

I – Ice

C – Compression – to reduce swelling

E – Elevate – keep the foot above the heart

If you broke your ankle, you will also need to stabilize your joint.  Of course, you should always see your doctor to treat your injured ankle!