“Is my ankle broken or sprained?”

Based on this description, potentially. You should definitely have your ankle assessed at an urgent care clinic for further evaluation.

Get an x-ray

First thing is to find out whether there is a fracture or not. If there are signs of bruise/swelling and difficulty in weight-bearing, fracture must be ruled out by x-ray. If fracture, hairline or stable fracture requires stabilization with a sprint/cast. If the fracture is unstable, surgical fixation followed by casting may be necessary. Fracture or not, there must be also muscle/fascia strain around it, more fascia than muscle, while ligament tear or sprain is unlikely. Such strain injury must be treated, preferably prior to surgery/casting. If done after casting, much more time/effort is required to resolve it because it becomes tighter with contractures. To resolve strain, it is best treated with light touch and hold (The Precision Method) to initiate release of strained tissue by the body itself. Any external treatment (medication, massage, manipulation, stretching, strengthening) has little effect and may even worsen the injury, therefore not recommended. This is detailed in my book "NO MORE PAIN  All Pain Considered - A Breakthrough". Please visit website: NoMorePainClinic.com.  

You need to get it x-rayed to know for sure.

Dr. Bose

GO to the urgent care

Hi

Thanks for your question.

You may need X-ray to know exactly whether your ankle is broken or
sprained.

Take care,

Fengli Lan, LAc., PhD., QME

Get an x-ray.

You need to go to an urgent care or emergency room and obtain x-rays RIGHT away and then obtain a referral for treatment to an orthopedist or foot and ankle specialist.