Can I Have an Ankle Fracture Without Knowing It?

When a bone breaks, do you expect to hear a crack? That’s not always the case when you have an ankle fracture. Sometimes, a fracture doesn’t cause immediate, noticeable pain or other symptoms you would expect, making it tricky to identify the injury immediately. 

Our board-certified podiatrists with Premier Foot and Ankle Center can promptly diagnose and treat your ankle injury. We will let you know whether you have a sprain or a fracture. Here’s why it’s sometimes hard for you to tell what type of injury you have. 

Ankle joints are complex, and fractures vary in severity 

Your ankle is a complex joint. You have seven bones in the area, along with three bones that connect the ankle to your lower leg. The ankle has multiple tendons and 10 ligaments that help stabilize it. 

Ankle fractures receive classifications based on their location and type. Fractures vary from complex to so subtle that they don’t cause intense pain right away. 

You might have a stress fracture – a hairline crack that develops from wear and tear and repetitive stress. If you have a stress fracture, at first you may only feel minor discomfort. You may think you’ve just overdone your workout. 

Why you may not realize you have an ankle fracture

It’s possible for an ankle fracture to go unnoticed for a number of reasons. First, when a bone breaks, surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons can compensate for the injury, so you may not feel sharp or immediate pain. You may experience a dull ache instead when standing or walking.

If your fracture is stable and the bones haven’t dislocated, your ankle may not swell significantly, and you might not see a deformity. Not all fractures cause visible deformities or bruising, particularly minor breaks or those involving only one bone in the ankle. Without these visual signs, it’s hard to recognize that you may have a fracture. 

Also, a part of the ankle that bears less weight might be fractured, but you don’t feel intense pain because it’s not under as much pressure as a weight-bearing area. 

You might also think you have a sprained ankle, which can result in similar symptoms, such as swelling and bruising. 

Symptoms of a hard-to-detect ankle fracture

Sometimes symptoms of ankle fractures are subtle, especially if you have a stress fracture. A low-grade ache, especially after physical activity or prolonged use, could signify a stress fracture. Your ankle might feel tender. Bruising might be minimal or absent, and swelling may come and go.

You might be able to walk without significant pain. It’s not uncommon for people with mild fractures to continue walking and going about their daily activities, assuming they have simply “twisted” or “strained” their ankle.

When to call a foot and ankle specialist

A mild ankle sprain typically improves within a few days. If your pain persists or gets worse after you walk or engage in another physical activity, it’s time to call our office. An X-ray or MRI is often the best way to confirm whether a fracture is present, especially if you haven’t experienced the classic symptoms.

Don’t wait too long to seek medical attention if you think you may have an ankle fracture. Early treatment helps prevent long-term issues such as chronic pain or instability. Minor fractures can often be treated with rest, ice, and bracing, but missed diagnoses can lead to complications like improper healing, arthritis, or reduced mobility.

Call Premier Foot and Ankle Center to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations for all your foot and ankle medical needs, including ankle injuries. We help keep you going strong.