Foot Sprain: Causes & Treatment
Medically Reviewed By : Dr Sravya, MBBS, MS
There are many activities you can do with your foot. But doing it the wrong way or forcing your body to do so can cause injury such as a foot sprain. But the good news is that there are also a bunch of foot sprain treatments that help to get rid of it.
Introduction
A foot sprain is a damage to the foot. It is usually caused by an unusual twisting or turning of the foot, and it can cause pain, edema, and hassle when walking or bearing weight on the foot. The severity of a foot sprain depends upon the degree of the injury.
Even though small sprains may lead to actual relaxation and ice, extra-intense sprains might also necessitate immobilization, physical therapy, or even surgical operation.
Pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, and trouble shifting the foot or toes are all symptoms of a foot sprain. If you think that you have a foot sprain, seek advice from a doctor or nurse as soon as possible for the correct analysis and treatment plan.
Stages of sprain types
There are two types of foot sprains: mild and severe Both these stages have their treatment based on their severity.
- Mild foot sprain: A moderate foot sprain is a type of sprain in which the ligaments of the foot are stretched or strained but not completely ruptured. Mild foot sprains generally heal on their own after a few days with the help of simple foot sprains treatments like rest, ice, and a little stretch. But if the ache and swelling have not improved and reduced, you must consult your doctor before the situation gets worse.
- Severe foot sprain: An intense foot sprain is a more severe type of sprain that happens when the foot's ligaments are ripped or torn. Intense foot sprains can cause excruciating pain, swelling, and bruising and may necessitate immobilization or surgical operation as therapy. If you feel you have a severe foot sprain, you should seek advice from a medical doctor as quickly as possible.
What are the causes of foot sprains?
Foot sprains can be due to different factors, including:
People who’ve formerly experienced foot or ankle injuries are much more likely to be afflicted by foot sprains. Foot or ankle abnormalities, along with flat feet or high arches, might increase the threat of foot sprains.
- Foot twisting: This is an ordinary cause of foot sprains, mainly during athletic activities that include going for walks, jumping, or dancing. Sprains can occur when the foot twists or turns in an unusual manner. As it loads the pressure on the muscles the muscles feel the extra stretch which results in foot sprain.
- Tripping or falling: While you experience or fall, your foot may twist or flip abnormally, resulting in a sprain.
- Overuse: Overuse of the foot, such as lengthy intervals of footwork or walking, can also bring about foot sprains.
Strolling or running on choppy surfaces, such as rocky terrain or a hard avenue, are all causes of foot strain.
Carrying shoes that are excessively tight or too loose may motivate the foot to transport ordinarily, increasing the risk of sprains.
- Taking part in high-impact sports activities: such as basketball or football, that consist of jumping, strolling, or surprising changes in route, would possibly increase the risk of foot sprains.
- Vulnerable or rigid muscle mass and ligaments: Susceptible or inflexible muscle tissues and ligaments are much more likely to sprain the foot because they may be much less able to take in surprise and guide the foot. This is one of the causes of foot strain.
Foot sprain treatment
- Relaxation: For several days, avoid placing weight on the affected foot to permit the sprain to heal.
- Ice: To help relieve soreness and swelling, apply ice to the affected location for 20 minutes at a time, numerous times a day.
- No walking: The Doctor will recommend you stay on your bed and keep your muscles away from any pressure for some period of time. As walking will put pressure on the ligaments and muscles and make the pain severe.
- Compression: Wrap an elastic bandage over the affected foot to help limit swelling. It will calm down the swelling, and redness. Which improves the blood flow in that particular area.
- Elevation: To help decrease swelling, keep the affected foot elevated above the heart as much as possible.
If the ache and swelling do not go away after some days or if you are unable to put weight on the affected foot, you must consult your doctor to avoid any future severe injury. It is important to consult a good doctor and avoid self-care if the swelling or pain is not going away.
The doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle, and daily activities and examine you to get a clear picture of the reason behind the foot sprain.
Some stretches may help treat foot sprains
Here are a few stretches that could help treat foot sprains:
- Toe curls: Take a seat in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Curl your toes and keep them for five seconds, then launch. Repeat 10 instances.
- Toe raises: Stand still on the ground with your feet aligned. Slowly raise your feet as high as you can, but not too high as it gives extra stretch to the muscles, then decrease them back off. Repeat this about 10 times.
- Heel raises: Stand together with your toes flat on the floor. Slowly increase your heels as excessively as you may, then lower them backpedal. Repeat 10 times.
- Ankle rotations: Sit in a chair with your feet flat and steady on the floor. Rotate your ankles slowly in a circular motion clockwise and anticlockwise one after another. Repeat both motions about 10 times. You feel muscles relax instantly.
- Calf stretches: Stand facing a wall together with your palms on the wall for guidance. Take a step again with your injured foot and press your heel into the floor. Keep for 30 seconds, then transfer feet and repeat.
Conclusion:
Foot sprains may occur due to a variety of reasons like jumping too high than our limit, walking too fast, stretching the leg in the wrong way, and wearing inappropriate size of shoes. It can additionally be caused by being on foot or going for walks on choppy surfaces, taking part in high-impact sports activities, or having weak or rigid muscular tissues and ligaments.
However, do not worry; there are masses of remedy options to be had to help you get back on your feet! Some common treatments include rest, ice, compression, and elevation, in addition to stretching and bodily remedies. Toe curls, toe raises, heel raises, ankle rotations, and calf stretches can all help treat foot sprains.
It is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience extreme aches, swelling, or walking problems, as those can be symptoms of more serious harm.
