By Christopher Prior, DO, FAAFP, CAQSM, a physician at Sheridan Memorial Hospital’s SameDay Health & Imaging clinic.
‘Tis the season when more time spent outside can mean more bumps and bruises as we hike, swim, bike or enjoy other outdoor activities. When you twist an ankle or suffer a fall, it can be hard to tell how severe the injury is, leaving you wondering what to do next.
Knowing the differences between a sprain and a fracture can help you seek the most appropriate treatment and avoid further damage. It can be tricky to tell the two injuries apart, especially when both can cause immediate pain, swelling and difficulty with movement.
Which is it?
While both injuries are common there are key differences that can help you determine which injury you’re dealing with. A sprain occurs when the ligaments, which are tough bands of tissue that connect bones, are stretched or torn, usually due to sudden twisting or impact.
A break (or fracture), on the other hand, involves a crack or complete break in the bone.
Both injuries can result from accidents such as falls or sports injuries, the severity, treatment and recovery time can vary.
How to treat a sprain
The severity of the sprain will dictate how to treat it, but utilizing the RICE method can help. RICE stands for: Rest. Ice. Compress. Elevate. Usually if you have pain from an injury, rest is a good place to start. You can also ice it for 15–20 minutes throughout the day, use an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and elevate the injured area. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with discomfort, but if you have severe pain or symptoms don’t improve within a few days, check in with a healthcare provider to make sure it isn’t something more serious.
How to treat a broken bone
Treating a broken bone depends on the type, location and severity, however, the primary goal is always to realign the bone and keep it stable while it heals. Using a cast, splint or brace to prevent movement is common. For more complex breaks, a doctor may need to manually or surgically realign the bone.
When to seek care
Knowing when to seek medical attention for an injury is crucial to prevent any complications and ensure proper healing. Signs you should seek medical care include:
- Severe pain, swelling or deformity around the injured area
- An inability to move or bear weight on the affected area
- Numbness or tingling
- Open wounds exposing bone or tissue
Even if symptoms seem like no big deal at first, if they persist or worsen over time, getting a professional evaluation is a smart idea. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, proper treatment and pain relief.
This article originally appeared in The Sheridan Press on June 16, 2026.