Our feet undergo heavy wear and tear every day and any injury to the feet and ankle can result in immobility. Sprains can range from being mildly uncomfortable to excruciatingly painful as there are so many small bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles in your ankles that are vulnerable to injury. It is best to see a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and treatment of your sprain. At Premier Podiatry, Velimir Petkov focuses on finding the cause of pain and the location of the affected area to eliminate the discomfort you are experiencing. He recommends treatment options depending on the severity of pain so that you can get back to performing your daily activities without any delay.
Sprain are common and can happen to anyone, anytime. Most foot sprains happen due to sports or activities in which your body twists and pivots but your feet stay in place. Some of these sports include football, snowboarding, and dance.
A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament, the tissue in the joints that connects the two bones.
There are many bones, joints and ligaments in your foot. A ligament is a strong flexible tissue that holds bones together. When the foot lands awkwardly, some ligaments can stretch and tear. This is called a sprain.
Most foot sprains happen due to sports or activities in which your body twists and pivots but your feet stay in place. A foot sprain can affect your normal movement and activities and cause considerable pain.
There are three categories of sprains, based on the severity of the injury. They are:
Your foot is at high risk of sprains as it bears the entire body’s weight with each steps and contains numerous joints and bones. People who participate in certain sports or work in conditions where feet are subjected to abnormal twisting motions or bends may suffer sprains more.
Planter fasciitis is one of the most common ligament injuries in the foot. It is a strain of the ligament that runs across the bottom of the foot to the heel and mostly occurs in athletes or people whose job involve being on foot all day.
Sprains and strains are closely related. If you strain your foot, you injure the tissue that connects the muscles to the bone. A foot sprain is stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones of the foot.
Foot sprain or strain have similar symptoms. Your foot doctor will examine your foot and the injury you have suffered to determine the best treatment option for your symptoms.
A sprain or strain occurs most often from a twisting or turning of the ankle or foot. A ligament can tear if you move suddenly in a way that puts stress on your ligament. Landing clumsily after a jump or stumbling on rocks can twist and tear the ligaments in your foot. The foot will roll inwards or outwards due to stepping on another person’s foot or stepping in a hole.
Symptoms can vary depending on the degree of the sprain. Most people with a foot sprain experience the following:
The symptoms typically originate at the site of the sprain. If the torn ligament is near the side of the foot rather than the arch, the symptoms will be more noticeable on the side. You may end up limping if you have too much pain with movement or have trouble putting weight on the affected foot.
After reviewing your symptoms, your doctor will ask you about the sprain, how you injured the foot and any foot trauma or injury that you have experienced before. They can diagnose a foot sprain with a physical examination.
The specialist will note any swelling or bruising as well as any changes in flexibility or range of motion. He will gently press and feel your injured foot to check for tenderness or bone abnormalities. Your doctor may suggest an x-ray or MRI scan to determine the severity of the sprain, especially if you are an athlete or a professional dancer. These imaging tests can help them rule out fracture or other injures.
A foot sprain does not require invasive treatment. Mot foot sprains can be treated easily at home using the R.I.C.E. It comprises of:
Other treatment options include:
Surgery is only required in rare cases when the ligament becomes partially or completely torn and may need surgery to repair.
Foot sprains mostly heal on their own but it takes some time. The severity of the pain determines how long it will take to recover.
You can avoid foot sprains by wearing shoes that helps to stabilize the foot. Stretching and strengthening exercises for ligaments can also prevent sprains.
You can prevent sprains by:
Building strength and flexibility – If you have joined a sports team or are starting a new workout routine, make sure to focus on building foot strength and flexibility. Having strong and flexible feet ensure you don’t tear the tendons in the foot that result in sprain.
Maintaining a healthy weight – Being overweight increases your risk of hurting your feet and ankles. Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the stress on your feet.
Wearing appropriate shoes – Make sure to wear appropriate shoes for every activity. There are different shoes for playing soccer and basketball. You shoes should support your foot when you stand, walk and run without causing any pain or discomfort. Shoes wear out over time so make sure to replace them when its time.
Warming up and stretching – Warming up and stretching before an activity can prevent injuries like sprains and strains. Stretching not only strengthens your ligaments but also makes them more elastic and resistant to tearing.
Being carefully – Look carefully when you are walking. Stepping on something unsteady can make your ankle roll to the side and potentially tear a ligament. If you are going for hiking or running on a rough or rocky terrain, keep an eye on where you place your foot.
Preventing recurring injuries – If you have sprained your foot before, you are at higher risk of additional damage in future. Be cautious like taping or bracing your feet to prevent recurring injuries.
Paying attention to your body – If you have pain in your foot, do not push yourself and stop activities that are causing pain. You can save yourself from much more severe sprain if you do not pay attention to what your body is telling you.
Most sprains heal within a few weeks if the symptoms do not worsen and pain subsides with time. Spend some time off your feet and get back to your activities once you have fully recovered. Sprains rarely cause long term complications. If your foot is numb or tingly or your symptoms do not get better, call your doctor.
Read more: It Hurts to Put Pressure on My Feet in the Mornings
Do not ignore symptoms of swelling, pain, infection, or reduced mobility in your ankles and feet, as sprains can lead to severe injuries if they are not treated timely. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Velimir Petkov, a top-rated podiatrist at Premier Podiatry, for the best pain-relief treatment. With his team of specialists, he evaluates your symptoms, identifies the extent of damage, and ensures you get back on your feet in the shortest possible time.
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