Summarize the following:
Try to remember what happened at the moment that you were injured. This may be difficult, especially if you are in a great deal of pain. However, your experience at the moment of injury may provide clues. How fast were you moving? If you were moving at a very high speed (e.g., skiing or running at top speed), there is a chance your injury is a bone fracture. This will require professional medical attention. A lower speed injury (e.g., rolling your ankle while jogging or walking) is more likely a sprain that may heal on its own with proper care. Did you feel a tearing sensation? In many cases you will, in the case of a sprain. Was there a popping or snapping sound? This can occur with a sprain. It is also common with a bone fracture. In the case of a sprain, your ankle will become swollen, usually immediately. Examine your ankles side-by-side to see if the injured one looks larger. Pain and swelling will usually occur in ankle sprain or fracture. Foot or ankle deformity and unbearable pain usually indicate ankle fractures. Make sure to use crutches and go to your doctor immediately. A sprain also often causes bruising. Examine the ankle for signs of discoloration resulting from bruises. A sprained ankle will often feel tender. Gently touch the injured area with your fingers to see if it is painful to the touch. Stand up and gently put some weight on the injured ankle. If it is painful to put weight on the ankle, it could be sprained or fractured. Get medical attention immediately and use crutches. Feel for a "wobbliness" in the ankle. A sprained ankle often feels loose or unstable. In the case of a severe sprain, you may not be able to put any weight on the ankle at all, or use that foot to stand. Doing so will cause too much pain. Use crutches and seek medical attention immediately.
Recall the moment of injury. Look for swelling. Look for bruising. Feel for tenderness. Put weight gently on the ankle.