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Twisted ankle: sprain or broken?
Most twisted ankles are sprains that heal with rest. An X-ray is needed if you cannot walk on it or the bone itself hurts.
🔴 Go to the ER or call 911 if there is
- The ankle or foot looks deformed
- Bone is showing through the skin
- The foot is cold, pale, or numb
🟠 Get care today if there is
- Cannot take four steps on it
- Pain when pressing on the bony bumps of the ankle
🟢 What helps at home
- Rest, ice for 20 minutes at a time, a compression wrap, and keep it raised
- An over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs
Learn more from MedlinePlus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine: Ankle injury →. This guide is general information for adults and caregivers. It is not medical advice, it cannot cover every case, and it is not a substitute for a clinician who can examine the person. When in doubt, seek care. FreeDoc is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Library of Medicine.