What are the signs of a broken ankle? How to spot one

If you've just taken a nasty spill and your leg is throbbing, you're probably wondering what are the signs of a broken ankle and whether you need to rush to the emergency room right this second. It's a terrifying moment when you're on the ground, looking at your foot, and trying to figure out if that sound you just heard was your bone or just a loud leaf crunching under your shoe. The truth is, it isn't always as obvious as a bone sticking out of the skin—though that's a pretty clear indicator—and sometimes a bad break can feel surprisingly similar to a nasty sprain. ...

May 4, 2026 · 7 min · Karr Goodloe