Foot Fracture vs. Sprain: Recognizing the Difference

Foot Fracture vs. Sprain: Key Differences

Both cause pain, swelling, bruising. Differentiation guides treatment.

When to X-Ray (Ottawa Ankle/Foot Rules)

• Bone tenderness at: base 5th metatarsal, navicular, medial/lateral malleolus.
• Inability to bear weight ×4 steps immediately and in ER.

See a clinician for accurate diagnosis. Delayed fracture care risks nonunion, arthritis, chronic pain.

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Feature	Sprain (Ligament)	Fracture (Bone)
Mechanism	Ligament stretch/tear	Bone break
Deformity	Rare	Possible (angulation, shortening)
Instability	Joint laxity	Structural instability
Weight-bearing	Often possible (painful)	Usually impossible
Neuro symptoms	Uncommon	Numbness, tingling possible
Imaging	X-ray often normal; MRI if needed	X-ray usually diagnostic
Treatment	RICE, bracing, PT	Splint/cast, ORIF if displaced