Broken Bones vs. Dislocations and Sprains: Key Differences

When you suffer a sudden injury, how do you know whether you have a broken bone, sprain, or even a dislocation? These injuries share symptoms like swelling, pain, and limited mobility, so knowing when to seek medical attention may be difficult. Understanding the key differences between sprains, fractures, and dislocations can allow you to receive the right treatment and avoid complications.

How Can I Tell If My Ankle Is Broken or Just Sprained?

A sprain happens when ligaments are stretched or torn, while a fracture involves a break in the bone. Since ankle injuries are among the most common complaints for people visiting their urgent care, let’s outline the key differences between fractures and sprains. 

Signs your ankle might be broken:

• Severe pain that worsens with movement or pressure
• Immediate swelling or bruising
• Visible deformity or an unnatural angle
• Inability to bear weight

Symptoms of a sprain:

• Pain that may be moderate or severe
• Swelling and tenderness, especially in the soft tissue injury areas
• Some ability to put weight on the foot, though movement is painful

If you're unsure whether it’s a broken bone or a sprain, an X-ray can help confirm the diagnosis.

While X-rays are the most common tool for diagnosing fractures, some cases – especially small hairline fractures – may require an MRI or CT scan for a more detailed image. If pain persists despite a normal X-ray, a follow-up scan may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Can a Sprain Feel Like a Break?

Yes, severe sprains and fractures can have overlapping symptoms. A badly torn ligament can cause as much pain and swelling as a minor hairline fracture. Both injuries may limit your range of motion and make movement difficult.

Fractures typically involve sharp, localized pain at the bone, while sprains tend to have widespread discomfort in the surrounding ligaments. If symptoms persist or worsen, medical care is essential to avoid complications.

Depending on severity, most sprains heal within a few days to a few weeks. Fractures often take several weeks or even months. If a sprain is not healing as expected, it could be a sign of an undiagnosed fracture.

When Is a Bone Broken?

A broken bone or fracture occurs when external force exceeds the bone's strength. The severity depends on the force and underlying conditions like osteoporosis.

Common types of fractures include:

• Stable fracture: The broken ends remain aligned.
• Compound fracture: Also called an open fracture because the bone pierces the skin, increasing infection risk.
• Transverse fracture: A horizontal break across the bone.
• Oblique fracture: An angled break.
• Comminuted fracture: The bone shatters into multiple pieces.

Treatment varies by fracture type. A stable fracture may require only immobilization, while a comminuted fracture often requires surgical intervention with metal plates and screws. Compound fractures, due to their risk of infection, usually require antibiotics and sometimes multiple surgeries to ensure proper healing.

How much force does it take to break a femur?

The femur is the body's strongest bone, withstanding up to 900 pounds of force. However, high-impact trauma – such as car accidents or falls – can exceed this, causing severe compound fractures requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.

Real-life scenarios where femur fractures occur include high-speed car accidents, falls from significant heights, and high-impact sports collisions. Because of the immense force required, femur fractures often result in additional injuries to surrounding muscles and tissues.

Dislocations

Unlike fractures, dislocations occur only at joints, where bones are forced out of alignment. Commonly dislocated joints include the shoulder, knee, elbow, and hip. If left untreated, a dislocation can damage nerves, tendons, and ligaments.

Symptoms of a dislocated joint:

• Deformity or visibly displaced bone
• Intense pain and swelling
• Limited or complete loss of mobility

Once a joint has been dislocated, it becomes more prone to future dislocations due to weakened ligaments. Without proper rehabilitation, repeated dislocations can increase the risk of joint instability and arthritis later in life. 

Strengthening exercises, proper technique, and protective gear are essential for preventing recurrence in sports and physical activity.

Treating Sprains and Fractures

The first step for any injury is R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to minimize swelling and promote healing. Ankle sprains or fractures may require additional support, such as a cast, splint, or elastic bandage. In some cases, rehabilitation may be needed to restore full function.

In severe cases, particularly with complete ligament tears, surgery may be required to restore stability to the joint. This is more common in high-grade sprains, such as ACL or severe ankle ligament tears.

Treatment Options

Whether you have a broken bone, dislocation, or severe sprain, The Urgency Room offers a cost-effective alternative. Avoid crowded emergency rooms and long waits for doctor appointments. Our expert medical staff provides fast, high-quality care for urgent medical needs across the Twin Cities.