I was playing basketball and I landed on my foot to the side to where my foot was facing inside and my ankle out. I heard a pop/cracking sound and the outside of my ankle hurt. I could still walk on it but it hurts when i point my foot up or down. Relaxed it is fine. Is this a sprain or could it be a fracture?
Hello, What I understand is there is pain while doing movements. In most cases it is ligament injury but to always stay on a safer side an x-ray is always recommended to see any hairline fracture has occurred. As untreated fracture leads to future trouble unnecessarily. Coming back to you query, it is appearing as it is a sprained ligament but still x-ray is needed for a safer side. Next apply the ice and keep the ankle joint immobilized in crêpe bandage and don't put much weight till 2-3 weeks of time. Once the pain levels come down while applying weight, start the ankle toe movements along with static Qua Chat Doctor.  Later after 5-6 weeks onto the balance board training for having a muscle Imbalance correction and also the stabilizing of the ankle joint to avoid future ligament injuries. In my clinical practice of over 12 years most patients with ankle sprains are treated with sports injury management for best outcome scores, and we are able to achieve it. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Jay In