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Can you move toes with broken ankle?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 22, 2026

Most believe that if they can wiggle their toes or move the ankle around that an ankle fracture has not occurred. The reason this is not true is because the nerves and muscles that allow the movement of the ankle have not been affected by the fracture.

Can you move your toes when you have a broken foot?

Although it may be possible to move and walk on your broken toe, you should avoid doing so as this can lead to even greater damage and prolonged healing time.

How can you tell if you broke your ankle?

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.

Can you walk on a broken ankle or foot?

Many people assume that if you can put weight on the ankle then it isn't broken, however, it is possible to walk on a broken ankle, particularly with a less severe fracture. If you're concerned your ankle may be broken, we recommend contacting your doctor, who can conduct an examination or order and xray if necessary.

Is my ankle broken if I can still move it?

Common folklore says that if you can move it, it isn't broken, but that is not always the case. A broken ankle can be a combination of injuries to your bones and ligaments (the connectors between bones).

44 related questions found

How do you tell if a bone is fractured or sprained?

If you can walk with soreness, it is unlikely that it is broken. Is there significant swelling? If the injured area experiences immediate and severe swelling, that could be a sign of a broken bone or fracture. However, if the swelling is mild and develops gradually, it is likely a sprain or strain.

Can't bend toes down after injury?

If you had an injury to your foot or ankle, and now can't move it, you may have a broken bone or a bad sprain. A ruptured Achilles tendon could also cause pain and make it difficult to bend your foot down. That can also be caused by an injury.

How long should you elevate a broken ankle?

You'll have to keep your injured ankle elevated for at least two weeks after your surgery. You won't be able to put weight on your injured ankle for six weeks after surgery.

How painful is a broken ankle?

If you fractured your ankle, you will likely experience immediate, sharp pain and possible swelling. Additional symptoms include: Pain that spreads throughout the foot and up your leg, toward your knee. Intensifying pain if you try to bear weight on your foot.

What broken ankle feels like?

If you have a broken ankle, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms: Immediate, throbbing pain. Swelling. Bruising.

Can a broken ankle be mistaken for a sprain?

A broken ankle can often be mistaken for a sprain, even with an X-ray, due to the complex structure of tissue, muscle, and ligaments concealing the bone. If not properly treated, an ankle break can lead to further pain, damage to the ankle joint, and impede mobility.

Did I break my foot or sprain it?

Another way to tell the difference between a broken foot and sprained foot is the sound the body makes when the injury occurs. If you have a sprain, you're more likely to hear a popping sound. If you have a fracture, then you're more likely to hear a cracking sound.

What do broken toes feel like?

Throbbing pain in the toe is the first sign that it may be broken. You may also hear the bone break at the time of injury. A broken bone, also called a fracture, may also cause swelling at the break. If you've broken your toe, the skin near the injury may looked bruised or temporarily change color.

Can you walk on a foot fracture?

Broken bones in the foot cause pain and swelling. Usually (but not always) the pain is so bad, you are not able to walk. Broken bones in the toes cause less pain, and you may be able to walk with a broken toe. Bruising of the foot with a broken bone is also common.

How do I know if my foot injury is serious?

Go to the emergency room if:

  1. there's an open wound on your foot.
  2. pus is coming out of your foot.
  3. you can't walk or put weight on your foot.
  4. you experience severe bleeding.
  5. there are broken bones coming through your skin.
  6. you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
  7. you think your foot could be infected.

What's the worst ankle break?

A trimalleolar ankle fracture is when your ankle breaks in three separate places. Only 7% of all ankle breaks are trimalleolar ankle fractures. They are rare, and they are among the worst kinds of ankle fractures.

Can you elevate a broken ankle too much?

Ankle Care & Bathing

This is important! Keep your ankle elevated above heart level as much as possible for the first five days, then as needed when symptomatic for up to two weeks. This will prevent painful swelling and promote healing.

How should I sleep with a broken ankle?

Invest in a specialized pillow, like a body pillow, for elevation—keeping the broken bone above your heart prevents blood from pooling and causing swelling. Try sleeping on your back first while propped up on a few pillows. If that doesn't work, slowly adjust yourself to a side position if possible.

Can I take my boot off to sleep with a broken ankle?

While each case is different, in most cases you do NOT have to wear a CAM walker while your sleeping. Usually, you can take the boot off once you get in bed for the night. You DO have to put the boot back on before you put your feet down in the morning.

Did I just break toe?

“The most obvious sign that it's a fracture is if the painful toe is pointing in a different direction than your other toes. Sometimes, it's obvious that one toe is pushed out to the side, but it can also be a subtle twisting that turns the toe up a little bit.”

What happens if you leave a broken toe untreated?

Broken toes that don't heal properly increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis or permanent nerve damage down the line. The right treatment with a foot and toe expert helps ensure your broken toe heals the right way so you can resume your normal activities without worrying about complications.

How do you know if your toes broken?

Stiffness. Bruises or discoloration of the skin around the toe. The toe may appear abnormal, and may even look bent or deformed if the broken bone is out of place. Difficulty and pain when walking, especially if the big toe is fractured.

How can I tell if I have a hairline fracture in my foot?

The most common symptom of a hairline fracture is pain. This pain can gradually get worse over time, especially if you don't stop weight-bearing activity. Pain is usually worse during activity and lessens during rest.
...
Other symptoms include:

  1. swelling.
  2. tenderness.
  3. bruising.

Can you break a bone in your ankle?

Broken ankle joints, or ankle fractures, involve a crack or break in one of the bones in your ankle joint. Yet not all ankle fractures are the same and can range from minor to very complicated. For example, someone with a broken ankle may actually have what's called a small avulsion fracture.

What does a sprained ankle feel and look like?

“Some sprains just feel twisted or tweaked, and while they are a little swollen and tender, you can still walk. But ankle sprains can also be fairly severe, with lots of swelling and bruising, along with severe pain when any weight is placed on them.” Too often, Dr.