If you cannot tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture, you should:

• A. Treat it as a sprain
• B. Treat it as a fracture
• C. Do nothing
• D. Return to activity

Answer: (B)

When you can’t tell the difference between a sprain and a fracture, the safest approach is to treat it as a fracture. Fractures can be hidden or not obvious at first, and moving or bearing weight on a broken bone can worsen the injury, cause misalignment, or lead to complications. Immobilize the injured part to prevent movement, avoid putting weight on it, and seek medical evaluation promptly. If there’s deformity, numbness, or inability to move the limb, get urgent care. Do not try to straighten the bone or return to activity until a clinician confirms it’s safe.