Difficulty moving your toes after an ankle sprain might indicate nerve damage. The injury could have affected the nerves controlling your toe muscles. A podiatrist can properly diagnose this. While you can sometimes wiggle your toes with a fractured ankle, the inability to move them after an ankle sprain is a more serious sign that needs medical attention. This is different from the pain and swelling that are common with a simple sprain. Swelling and bruising, along with an inability to move your toes and numbness, can also be symptoms of a broken ankle.
Understanding the Connection:
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Nerve Damage: A severe ankle sprain can damage the nerves supplying the muscles that control your toes. This damage can result in temporary or, in severe cases, permanent impairment of toe movement. The reference explicitly states: "If you're finding it difficult to move or point your toes after an ankle sprain, particularly lifting your toes upwards to point them towards the sky, this may indicate that you have sustained some nerve damage during your sprain."
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Swelling and Inflammation: Significant swelling and inflammation around the ankle joint can put pressure on the nerves and muscles, limiting the range of motion in your toes. This is a temporary issue, which resolves as swelling goes down.
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Fracture (less likely): Although a fractured ankle can sometimes allow toe movement, the inability to move your toes along with other symptoms like significant pain, swelling, and bruising is a strong indicator of a possible fracture. One reference mentions: "Signs your ankle is broken include pain, swelling and bruising, accompanied by pale skin, inability to move the toes, and numbness."
What to Do:
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Seek Medical Attention: If you cannot move your toes after an ankle sprain, it's crucial to see a doctor or podiatrist immediately. They can diagnose the extent of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment.
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Avoid Self-Treatment: Attempting to treat this issue at home without professional evaluation can worsen the condition.
