How to Tell the Difference Between a Sprain and a Fracture

Injuries happen — whether it’s a misstep minimally invasive, on a hike, a fall during a game, or just an awkward landing off the curb. When you hurt yourself, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: Did I sprain it or break it? While both injuries can feel similar at first, knowing the difference between a sprain and a fracture can help you get the right treatment and recover faster.

Let’s break it down.

What’s a Sprain?

A sprain happens when you stretch or tear the ligaments — the tough bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint. Sprains are especially common in ankles, wrists, and knees.

Common symptoms of a sprain:

Pain around the affected joint

Swelling

Bruising

Limited range of motion

A “popping” sound or feeling at the time of injury

Sprains can range from mild (just stretched) to severe (completely torn ligaments).

What’s a Fracture?

A fracture is a break in the bone. This can be anything from a tiny hairline crack to a complete break through the bone.

Common symptoms of a fracture:

Sharp, intense pain at the injury site

Swelling and bruising

Deformity (the limb may look “off” or out of place)

Inability to bear weight or use the affected limb

A grinding sound or feeling when moving the area

Some fractures are obvious. Others — like stress fractures or small breaks — can be harder to spot without an X-ray.

Sprain vs. Fracture: How to Tell the Difference

While sprains and fractures can look and feel similar, here are a few tips that might help you distinguish between them:

Symptom/Sign	Sprain	Fracture
Pain	Moderate to severe	Often severe and sharp
Swelling	Common	Common
Bruising	Common	Common
Deformity	Rare	More likely
Popping sound	Possible	Rare
Grinding sensation	Rare	Possible
Can bear weight?	Sometimes	Usually not
Area of pain	Around the joint	Directly over the bone

???? Pro tip: If the pain is directly over a bone and doesn’t improve with rest, it's more likely to be a fracture.

When to See a Doctor

Whether it’s a sprain or a fracture, don’t ignore it. Here’s when to seek medical attention:

You heard a snap or grinding sound when the injury occurred

You can’t move or put weight on the area

There’s visible deformity

The pain is severe and doesn’t get better with rest or ice

Swelling doesn’t go down after 48 hours

A doctor may perform an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to get a clear diagnosis and make sure you’re healing properly.

Treatment: What’s the Difference?

For Sprains:

Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (R.I.C.E.)

Over-the-counter pain relief

Physical therapy if needed

Bracing for support

For Fractures:

Immobilization with a cast or splint

Possible surgery (in severe cases)

Pain management

Longer recovery time

Final Thoughts

When in doubt, get it checked out. It's not always easy to tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture without imaging — and trying to “walk it off” can sometimes make things worse.

Your body’s pretty good at letting you know when something’s wrong. So listen to it, take care of it, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Want help recovering from an injury? Let us know — we’ve got tips, stretches, and support to get you back on your feet.

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