Sprain vs Fracture
By the AllHealth UK editorial teamLast reviewed Next review due Compiled from published NHS and NICE guidance. Not reviewed by a clinician.
Is it a sprain or a broken bone?
You often cannot tell without an X-ray — the NHS says a badly sprained wrist can be hard to tell apart from a break. Being able to put weight on it does not rule out a break — many broken ankles and wrists can still be walked or moved on. Suspect a fracture if the pain is severe, you cannot use the limb at all, or it has changed shape. Get any suspected break checked.
Immediate action required: call 999 or go to A&E if
- A bone is sticking out through the skin
- The limb has changed shape or is at an odd angle
- The limb is numb, tingling, or has pins and needles
- There is a bad cut that is bleeding heavily
- You heard a crack when you had the injury
- The skin around the injury looks blue or grey, or feels cold to touch
If you are weighing up whether it is bad enough to call, that is itself a reason to call. Nobody is annoyed by a 999 call that turns out to be the less serious of the two.
| Feature | Sprain or Strain | Fracture (Broken Bone) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical signs |
|
|
| How long it lasts | Most feel better after 2 weeks; avoid strenuous exercise for up to 8 weeks | A broken arm or wrist usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal |
| What helps | PRICE for the first 2 to 3 days — protection, rest, ice, compression, elevation — plus paracetamol | Urgent treatment centre or A&E for an X-ray; usually a plaster cast or splint |
| What to do | Self-care at home | Call 999 now |
Sources and further reading
This page was written from the following published guidance. All links checked 26 August 2026.
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