Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries– whether from sports, a misstep on uneven ground, or simply rolling your foot the wrong way. If you’ve injured your ankle and are now seeing bruising, you may be wondering: Is this normal with a sprain? Or is something more serious going on? In this blog, we’ll highlight the relationship between ankle sprains and bruising, other signs to watch for, and how urgent care can help with recovery.
For same-day sports injury treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer. Our clinic is open 7 days a week and provides rapid injury diagnosis and care. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance below.
What Happens During an Ankle Sprain?
A sprain occurs when the ligaments– strong bands of tissue that connect bones– are stretched or torn. In the ankle, this often happens when the foot twists inward, putting stress on the outer ligaments. Sprains can range from mild (slight stretching) to severe (complete tears).
In addition to bruising, a sprained ankle may cause:
- Pain, especially when bearing weight
- Swelling around the joint
- Tenderness to the touch
- Instability or a feeling the ankle might give out
- Limited range of motion
- Popping or snapping sound at the time of the injury (in some cases)
These symptoms can overlap with other injuries, including fractures, so it’s important not to rely on bruising alone to assess the severity.
Ankle Sprains and Bruising
Bruising is a common symptom of a sprained ankle. When ligaments are injured, small blood vessels in the surrounding tissue can rupture, causing blood to collect under the skin. This leads to the classic signs of a bruise– discoloration, tenderness, and swelling. Bruising may not appear right away. It can show up hours or even a day after the injury, and the color may change from red to purple, green, or yellow as it heals.
Sprained Ankle Treatment and Recovery
You should seek a medical evaluation if you can’t put weight on your ankle without pain, bruising and swelling are severe or worsening, the ankle looks deformed or unstable, you heard a pop, or symptoms don’t improve after a few days of rest, ice, compression, and elevation. At an urgent care center, a medical provider will examine the injury, check for signs of ligament damage or fracture, and may order an X-ray to rule out broken bones.
Most mild to moderate sprains can be treated with:
- Rest and limiting activity
- Ice packs (20 minutes at a time, several times a day)
- Compression with an elastic bandage
- Elevation to reduce swelling
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
Severe sprains may require a brace, crutches, or physical therapy. Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the injury.
Get Walk-In Sports Injury Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer
Bruising is a normal part of many ankle sprains, but it’s not the only factor to consider. If you’ve hurt your ankle and notice bruising, swelling, or difficulty walking, don’t ignore it! Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer for a quick diagnosis and treatment plan to help you heal safely and avoid further damage. Visit our center 7 days a week, conveniently located at 777 E Speer Blvd. in Denver, CO. No appointment required! Our center accepts most health insurance plans and offers low-cost options for any self-paying patient. If you have any additional questions about sports injury treatment, or other services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 733-4000.
