How to tell if the bones are not injured when you twist your ankle going downstairs

Generally, after spraining an ankle while going downstairs, one can preliminarily determine whether the bones are intact by observing pain characteristics, checking for visible changes, testing range of motion, pressing on key areas, and assessing weight-bearing ability. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Observe pain characteristics: If the pain is mainly aching or throbbing in the soft tissues around the ankle, gradually improves with rest, and is not localized to bony prominences, it usually indicates no significant bone injury.

2. Check for visible changes: If there is only mild swelling and slight redness of the skin without obvious deformity, abnormal protrusions, or indentations on the skin surface, bone injury is less likely. However, if there is significant swelling accompanied by ankle deformity or a visibly different bone contour compared to the uninjured side, a bone injury should be suspected.

3. Test range of motion: Slowly attempt to move the ankle, such as gently rotating it or flexing/extending the foot. If these movements can be performed with only mild pain and no significant restriction, the bones are likely undamaged. If movement is severely limited or causes intense pain even with slight motion, a bone injury may be present.

4. Press on key areas: Gently press the bony prominences around the ankle, such as the inner ankle (medial malleolus), outer ankle (lateral malleolus), and top of the foot bones. If tenderness is limited to soft tissues and there is no significant pain over the bony points, the bones are likely intact. Sharp pain upon pressing bony areas or a sensation of abnormal looseness in the bone suggests possible fracture or dislocation.

5. Assess weight-bearing ability: Under safe conditions, slowly shift a small amount of body weight onto the injured foot. If brief standing is possible without severe pain, and only a feeling of weakness or soreness is present, the bones are likely not injured. If bearing weight causes intense pain or makes standing impossible, a bone injury may have occurred, and further weight-bearing should be avoided.

It is recommended that after an ankle sprain, activity be stopped immediately. Apply an ice pack to the ankle to reduce swelling and pain, and elevate the injured foot above heart level to help relieve discomfort. During recovery, avoid strenuous activities and gradually resume ankle movement to promote healing.