Medical question for you, Dr Watson!! What is the difference between a strain and a sprain? And should I see a doctor for a fever? I tripped over a branch yesterday and need to know how best to treat an ankle but dunno the difference. Caio <3
In short terms, a strain is often in tendons or muscles, while a sprain is in the ligaments, which connect the bones. You may feel more effect rubbing the muscle/tendon, and that may be a strain, and if you can't reach the pain/unable to walk/bend the limb then it may be a sprain.
So, easy test is if you can stand or walk with pain, maybe a strain. If you can't, might be a sprain or worse. For a delicate area as your ankle, I highly suggest seeing a doctor if pain doesn't ease after a few days or if pain is extreme/unable to stand on.
Long lasting or high fevers suggest seeing a doctor either way, or accompanying rashes/headaches/confusion. Normal fever rules.