Foot and ankle injuries can happen to anyone—whether you missed a step, landed wrong during a game, or simply twisted your foot while walking. But knowing whether it’s a sprain, strain, or fracture can be tricky without a professional evaluation.

At West Haven Foot & Ankle Center, we help patients recover quickly and safely by identifying the exact type of injury and creating a personalized treatment plan. Here’s what you need to know.

Sprains, Strains, and Fractures – What’s the Difference?

Sprain – A sprain happens when the ligaments (the tough bands of tissue connecting bones) are stretched or torn. Common signs include swelling, bruising, and difficulty putting weight on the foot or ankle.

Strain – A strain affects muscles or tendons (the tissues that connect muscle to bone). It often results from overuse or a sudden twist, leading to pain, stiffness, and sometimes muscle spasms.

Fracture – A fracture is a break in the bone. Some fractures are obvious with intense pain, swelling, and visible deformity, while others—called stress fractures—can be more subtle, causing persistent aching.

When to See a Podiatrist

You should see a podiatrist promptly if:

• You can’t put weight on the injured foot or ankle without significant pain.

• There’s visible deformity or the joint looks out of place.

• Swelling and bruising develop quickly after the injury.

• You heard or felt a “pop” at the time of injury.

• Pain doesn’t improve after a couple of days of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE).

• You have numbness, tingling, or coldness in the injured area.

Prompt evaluation is important because untreated injuries can heal improperly, leading to chronic pain, instability, or arthritis later on.

What to Expect During Your Visit

At our West Haven podiatry clinic, we:

• Take a detailed history of how the injury happened.

• Examine your foot and ankle for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.

• Use imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to determine the extent of the injury.

• Create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, which may include bracing, physical therapy, or in some cases, surgery.

How to Protect Your Recovery

While every injury is different, these tips can help you heal and prevent further damage:

• Follow your treatment plan exactly – Don’t push through pain or return to activities too soon.

• Wear supportive shoes – Good footwear reduces the risk of reinjury.

• Do rehabilitation exercises – These help restore strength, flexibility, and balance.

• Avoid high-impact activities until your podiatrist clears you.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to assume foot or ankle pain will go away on its own, but waiting too long can make recovery harder.

At West Haven Foot & Ankle Center, our team is here to help you get back on your feet—literally—with the right diagnosis, advanced treatment, and compassionate care. If you think you might have a sprain, strain, or fracture, don’t wait. Let’s get you the care you need to heal properly.