Mrs

[csharpe]

how do you know if you sprain/strain the side of the foot or it is a fracture

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

Fractures can easily be diagnosed by an X-ray and if you do not have fractures but still have pain and inflammation then it sure is due to soft tissue injuries such as a sprain, tear etc.

MRI can diagnose any ligament, tendon or muscle tear or sprain.

Take care!

[gofio]

You visit your hospital/doc. No diagnosis here online possible. Good Luck.
Signs/Symptoms of a fracture : Pain, loss of power,Swellng, Deformity.Unnatural mobility & Crepitus ie the sound of bone ends grating together! Get a qualified diagnosis. Best of luck.