What are the symptoms of ankle fracture?

Pain may be immediate after a twist, fall, or impact and is often worse when the ankle is moved or loaded. Swelling and bruising can spread around the ankle, while a fracture may produce very focused tenderness over a bone. The ankle can look out of alignment, although a normal appearance does not exclude a break. Sprains can cause similar symptoms, so an examination and X-ray or other imaging may be needed to distinguish them.

Avoid walking on the injured ankle if it is painful or unstable. Keep it supported, elevate it, and use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods. Do not try to straighten a visibly deformed ankle or test it repeatedly. A clinician will decide whether treatment such as a walking boot, fracture casting, or fixation surgery is appropriate based on alignment and stability.

Seek emergency care for an open wound over the injury, obvious deformity, pale or blue toes, loss of feeling, a cold foot, or pain that is rapidly worsening. Get prompt assessment when you cannot take steps, swelling is substantial, or bone tenderness remains after an injury. These features can require timely protection and realignment.

Could this be a fracture or a severe sprain? Do I need imaging? May I put weight through the ankle? Which support is suitable, and what symptoms should make me return urgently? If surgery is needed, when would rehabilitation begin?