DWTS Contestant Kaitlyn Bristowe Details the Moment She Realized Her Ankle Was Injured

Kaitlyn Bristowe is fresh off an ankle injury for which she now awaits the results of a scan. The DWTS contestant shared details of the moment she realized things were bad.

On Tuesday night, Kaitlyn Bristowe made it clear she would not let anything stop her from getting on the stage with partner Artem Chigvintsev for ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

Bristowe, 35, injured her ankle during practice and, despite the pain, went through a lot of effort to be able to dance on a bad foot. She spoke to Entertainment Tonight about what happened.

REALIZING THE WORST

Bristowe explained that she took off her heels for a while during a rehearsal for her upcoming foxtrot dance. She then "stepped on [her] barefoot and was like 'Oh, no.' " She continued:

"I could not put weight on it. I just broke into tears, and I went straight to physical therapy. It was definitely the worst-case scenario to think about and not ideal."

PUSHING FORWARD

After crying on her couch and feeling heartbroken, Bristowe determined to do what she had to do to return to the dance floor. She visited a doctor, got wrapped up, and took cortisone shots, which significantly helped.

Despite her ankle still being sore during the performance, Bristowe managed to top the scoreboard for the night with a 22/30 point rating from judges.

Bristowe and Chigvintsev are now tied with Justina Macado and partner Sasha Farber at the top of the leaderboard. Both have 42 points.

Bristowe now awaits the results of an MRI scan she had. Her partner, Chigvintsev, is allowing her to remain inactive as the pair hope for the best. Still, Bristowe insists she will dance on a "broken ankle" if needs be.

TEASING VIEWERS

Earlier in the night, DWTS host Tyra Banks used Bristowe's injury to entice viewers. They did not announce whether Bristowe would be dancing until just ahead of her and Chigvintsev's performance.

Judge Carrie Ann Inaba was highly impressed with the former "Bachelorette" star's performance, adding that she can't wait to see Bristowe dance without injury if this is how she moves with one.

Bristowe and Chigvintsev are now tied with Justina Macado and partner Sasha Farber at the top of the leaderboard. Both have 42 points. Meanwhile, Charles Oakley and Emma Slater were sent home on Tuesday night.

TRIBUTING HER PARTNER

Ahead of the episode, Bristowe shared a touching Instagram post paying tribute to her partner, Chigvintsev, and the energy he brings to the competition. She shared a few fun facts about the professional dancer.

Bristowe pointed out Chigvintsev's love of his newborn son, Matteo, whom he shares with fiancé, Nikki Bella. She revealed that Chigvintsev is a perfectionist in the studio and dubbed him the "Velvet Hammer."

CRYING IT OUT

Bristowe's challenges so far on the show have not been limited to physical struggles. Earlier this month, the former spin dance instructor revealed that she faced bullying about her appearance.

Bristowe admitted that negative comments about her looks did affect her to the extent that she cried about it. She was happy to get it out of her system before returning to what is important.

PREPPING FOR DWTS

Earlier this year, Bristowe battled bouts of anxiety and depression until she learned she would be on DWTS. That gave her purpose and motivation to get in lots of exercises and do mood-building activities.

In addition to dancing, Bristowe recently started a collaborative project with Tayshia Adams to boost her scrunchie company, Dew Edit. She also has new music coming out and is still with her boyfriend, Jason Tartick.