Why does a sprained ankle turn black and blue?

The last 2 kinds of sprains are often associated with tearing of small blood vessels. This allows blood to leak into tissues and cause black and blue color in the area. The blood may not appear for several days. Most of the time, it is absorbed from the tissues within 2 weeks.

Why is my sprained ankle black and blue?

The black and blue appearance of your ankle occurs because tiny blood vessels within the soft tissues (called capillaries) have been torn. When these tiny vessels are damaged, blood is allowed to escape the vessels and leak into the tissue.

What does it mean when a sprained ankle turns purple?

But if your whole body weight suddenly forces the ankle to roll inwards, those ligaments will get suddenly stretched and injured... and that's what we call a sprained ankle. If blood vessels are also damaged, then your ankle will become purple or other funny colors.

How long does it take for sprained ankle bruising to go away?

The ankle swells and feels tender. Bruising begins three to four days after the injury. Walking may be moderately difficult. Recovery time is four to eight weeks.

Why is my sprained foot blue?

During the sprain, the small blood vessels and fibres in the flesh burst, causing blood to enter the surrounding tissue. This results in swelling and the blue, bruise-like discolouration.

Mayo Clinic Minute: Ankle sprains 101

Why is my swollen ankle turning black?

Discolored ankles is a sign of venous insufficiency

Sometimes deposits of hemosiderin can accumulate under your skin when your blood flow is too insufficient to return the excess iron to your immune system to be cleared away, leaving dark pigmentation in your ankles known as “stasis dermatitis.”

Can a sprained ankle turn blue?

The last 2 kinds of sprains are often associated with tearing of small blood vessels. This allows blood to leak into tissues and cause black and blue color in the area. The blood may not appear for several days. Most of the time, it is absorbed from the tissues within 2 weeks.

Is it OK to walk on a sprained ankle?

Do not walk on a sprained ankle. The inflamed tissue needs time to heal, and walking on it too soon may cause more damage. Ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries that can occur from playing sports or from everyday activities.

Can walking on a sprained ankle make it worse?

Yes. That's the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

How do I know if my ankle sprain is serious?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn't seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.

How do I know if I tore ligaments in my ankle?

How do you treat a black and blue ankle?

Is bruising after a sprain good?

Mild to severe swelling and bruising can accompany a sprain to the ankle. Bruising usually indicates tearing of ligament tissue and a more severe sprain. An ankle sprain is a common injury to the ankle. The most common way the ankle is injured is when the ankle is twisted inward (inversion injury).

Do Broken ankles turn blue and black?

You may see bruising ("black and blue") about the joint, although not immediately. This bruising can track down toward the sole of your foot or toward the toes. In severe fractures you may see obvious deformities of bones around the ankle. Your skin may be stretched over an underlying broken bone.

What are the signs of a fractured ankle?

What does it mean when your ankle looks bruised?

You may notice that the skin on your lower legs becomes discolored or appears bruised as you age. The technical term for this is hemosiderin staining. It's caused by a problem with the blood vessels in your legs called chronic venous insufficiency.

Should I elevate sprained ankle while sleeping?

Healthguidance.org recommends how to sleep with a sprained ankle is by elevating it slightly to drain fluids and prevent unnecessary swelling, so place a pillow or some blankets under the offending ankle while you sleep. Also apply some ice before going to bed to reduce inflammation.

Is it OK to wear socks with a sprained ankle?

Even when not using the leg, keeping a medical compression sock on can work to ensure proper circulation and more rapid healing. When up and about on a moderate sprain, don't take a single step without your compression socks and an ankle brace.

How do I know if my ankle is sprained or fractured?

With a sprain, you feel pain. But if you have numbness or tingling, your ankle is most likely broken. Where is the pain? If your ankle hurts or is tender to the touch directly over your ankle bone, you probably have a fracture.

How should you sleep with a sprained ankle?

Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.

Should a sprained ankle be wrapped?

Proper initial care of your sprained ankle is critical. A compression wrap helps decrease swelling. If swelling is kept to a minimum, it may help your ankle feel better. Applying a compression wrap is easy and can be done at home.

How do you know if you have a Grade 3 ankle sprain?

Grade 3 sprain

You experience severe swelling and bruising. The joint probably isn't functional because it's too unstable, and movement creates intense pain. If you have a grade 3 sprain in the ankle, for example, walking usually isn't possible.

Can sprained ankles discolor?

Ankle discoloration develops for many reasons, ranging from bruising caused by a sprained ankle to red skin resulting from an infection (cellulitis). Skin discoloration around your ankle may also signal a potentially serious vein condition called venous stasis dermatitis.

How long should you wait to walk on a sprained ankle?

Generally speaking, the sooner you can walk on your ankle the better. If it is not too painful to walk on your ankle immediately after an injury it's a good sign that you don't have severe ligament or bone damage. Take it easy for the first 24 to 72 hours.

Can I walk on my sprained ankle after 3 days?

A grade 1 sprain causes little damage to the ligaments, and although the ankle will be tender for a few days, you can walk on it after a short period of rest. At grade 2 sprain, there is some tearing of the tissues and a longer recovery time of up to 4 weeks.