Why does a sprain sometimes hurt the same as a break?

Question

I fell down one step and broke my left ankle and sprained the right 2 nights ago but both of my ankles hurt a lot; actually I thought my right ankle was broken because that hurt more than the left. The doctor said sometimes a sprain can hurt just as much and can take longer to heal but I didn't think at the time to ask why. Does anyone know why?

The xray for sure said that the left is broken and I have that god awful black boot on it. It doesn't hurt too bad but my right one they said it isn't broken, just a bad sprain. I have Elhers Danlos syndrome so I'm used to spraining ankles and dislocating other joints; they usually pop out and go right back in with minimal pain/swelling. Maybe because I've done it so much that over time it never really healed properly? And maybe too since I have the boot on the left and its secure that makes it feel better and I only have the air cast thing on the right?

Answer 1

depending on your age and the location of the break, it is definitely true that a break can heal faster. Sprains stretch the ligaments, and ligaments have a very poor blood supply, so that means that the nutrients that they need to get healed take much longer to get there and do their job. And once they are sprained they never go back to the exact way they were before so it's important to strengthen your muscles in your lower leg to help protect your ankle cuz once you sprain it it's more likely to happen again. Bones, on the other hand, have a much better blood supply and start healing right away, by 6 weeks a bone should be almost healed, but the healing rate slows down with age. Bones also come out of a break stronger than before because of the healing process. hope that helps you a little.... and i hope you feel better!!

Answer 2

DO NOT LET THIS GO! On July 20th I slipped and hurt my midfoot. I have NEVER felt that much pain. I was certain it was broke. ER Xrays says no. I was given an ace wrap and crutches. 3 weeks later still in pain. Doc sends me to foot specialist. He put me in the big black boot for 4 weeks. Still in pain 4 weeks later. Specialist then orders MRI which revealed severe bone bruising and bone marrow swelling resulting from the break/fracture that was not visible on the Xrays. Yesterday I was put into a cast and am awaiting the arrival of something called a bone growth stimulator that I have to use everyday to quicken the healing of this now 3 month old break. So dont let a negative Xray keep you from seeking further treatment. I think insurance companies make doctors drag things out as long as possible hoping you'll just get tired and give up leaving only the ppl in the most pain to receive further diagnostic procedures and treatments to save money. Because if I had $50 to $100 copays I probably would have given up but I only have $10 copays so I just kept pushing it. I'm pissed that it took 3 months to BEGIN treatment for my broken foot. Remember this...THE SQUEAKY WHEEL GETS THE OIL!

Answer 3

When I break bones (and I've broken several) -- I rarely get the swelling in the place where I've broken the bone --

HOWEVER, when I sprain a location -- the swelling starts -- and with the swelling, the pressure on the joint happens, and my body's nerves in that location get pinched -- so I do have more pain in an injury that is a SPRAIN or a repetitive strain.

Answer 4

I doubt your ankle is broken, when you have a broken ankle/foot you cant walk on it at all, and with a sprain you can still put a little pressure on it

Answer 5

you do no longer say what got here approximately, even with the incontrovertible fact that. Did you injure it or drop some thing on it? My theory could be to pass to the ER. they might bill you and as long as you pay somewhat on it each and each month, you would be great. you like an x-ray in case you are able to no longer walk on it. in case you don't get it checked and that's fractured, it is going to heal incorrect and you will constantly have problems with it. sturdy luck!

Answer 6

Because your body does not know how to distinguish the different.