suggestions?

Question

I fell off a curb yesterday and I don't know if I twisted or sprained my ankle.

My whole ankle bone is completely swollen so I can't see it, I'm slowly getting a large bluish bruise around my ankle. I can still walk, but it's with a limp.

Which does it sound more like? A twisted ankle, or a sprain? I haven't seen a doctor yet and I'm trying to get the swelling down.

I'm gonna try and play a hockey game in an few hours (with a brace on) and I'm the goalie, so as little swelling would be great.

Is there a difference between a sprain and a twist? If so, which does it sound like?

Answer 1

No, there is no difference between a strained and a twisted ankle....an injury that involves stretching a ligament too far.

With the amount of swelling you are talking about, it is important to see a doctor. It is a myth that you cannot walk on a broken bone. It is quite possible that you just sprained it badly but there is no way of knowing without an examination...and sometimes, not even without an xray. The last thing you should be doing is playing hockey! You could cause some serious and permanent damage to your ankle. You never, ever stress an injury...the goal is to allow it to heal properly before resuming normal activity.

In the meantime, since you still have swellling, apply ice several times a day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. Stay off your ankly as much as possible. Anytime you are sitting down or lying down, prop that ankle up so that it is higher than your heart. You can take ibuprofen for pain. Please see your doctor!