What is Foot Sprain
Foot sprain is an injury to one of the strong bands of tissue (ligaments) that connect and support the many bones in your feet.
The ligament can be stretched too much or it can tear. A tear can be either partial or complete. The severity of the sprain depends on how much of the ligament was damaged or torn.
What are the causes?
A foot sprain is usually caused by suddenly twisting or pivoting your foot.
What increases the risk?
This injury is more likely to occur in people who:
- Play a sport, such as basketball or football.
- Exercise or play a sport without warming up.
- Start a new workout or sport.
- Suddenly increase how long or hard they exercise or play a sport.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition start soon after an injury and include:
- Pain, especially in the arch of the foot.
- Bruising.
- Swelling.
- Inability to walk or use the foot to support body weight.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed with a medical history and physical exam. You may also have imaging tests, such as:
- X-rays to make sure there are no broken bones (fractures).
- MRI to see if the ligament has torn.
How is this treated?
Treatment varies depending on the severity of your sprain. Mild sprains can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). If your ligament is overstretched or partially torn, treatment usually involves keeping your foot in a fixed position (immobilization) for a period of time. To help you do this, your health care provider will apply a bandage, splint, or walking boot to keep your foot from moving until it heals. You may also be advised to use crutches or a scooter for a few weeks to avoid bearing weight on your foot while it is healing.
If your ligament is fully torn, you may need surgery to reconnect the ligament to the bone. After surgery, a cast or splint will be applied and will need to stay on your foot while it heals.
Your health care provider may also suggest exercises or physical therapy to strengthen your foot.
Follow these instructions at home:
If You Have a Bandage, Splint, or Walking Boot:
- Wear it as directed by your health care provider. Remove it only as directed by your health care provider.
- Loosen the bandage, splint, or walking boot if your toes become numb and tingle, or if they turn cold and blue.
Bathing
- If your health care provider approves bathing and showering, cover the bandage or splint with a watertight plastic bag to protect it from water. Do notlet the bandage or splint get wet.
Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling
- If directed,
apply ice to the injured area:
- Put ice in a plastic bag.
- Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
- Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
- Move your toes often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
- Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
Driving
- Do notdrive or operate heavy machinery while taking pain medicine.
- Ask your health care provider when it is safe to drive if you have a bandage, splint, or walking boot on your foot.
Activity
- Rest as directed by your health care provider.
- Do notuse the injured foot to support your body weight until your health care provider says that you can. Use crutches or other supportive devices as directed by your health care provider.
- Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you. Gradually increase how much and how far you walk until your health care provider says it is safe to return to full activity.
- Do any exercise or physical therapy as directed by your health care provider.
General instructions
- If a splint was applied, do notput pressure on any part of it until it is fully hardened. This may take several hours.
- Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider. These include over-the-counter medicines and prescription medicines.
- Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
- When you can walk without pain, wear supportive shoes that have stiff soles. Do notwear flip-flops, and do notwalk barefoot.
Contact a health care provider if:
- Your pain is not controlled with medicine.
- Your bruising or swelling gets worse or does not get better with treatment.
- Your splint or walking boot is damaged.
Get help right away if:
- You develop severe numbness or tingling in your foot.
- Your foot turns blue, white, or gray, and it feels cold.
