- See a doctor if you can’t bear weight on your foot. Signs of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the joint.
- Rest your foot as long as pain and swelling persist. Treat your sprain by following the RICE rule, or Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. [5]
- Ice the sprain for 20 minutes 2 to 3 times per day. Keep icing your foot until your symptoms subside.
- Compress your foot with an elastic bandage. Compression will help reduce the swelling in your foot after a sprain. [9]
- Elevate your foot to reduce swelling. Keep your foot higher than the level of your heart as often as possible.
- Take pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicine. Over the counter drugs should be enough to control pain and swelling.
When to see a doctor for a foot sprain?
See a doctor if you can’t bear weight on your foot. Signs of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the joint. Call your doctor if you think you have a sprain, especially if pain is too severe to put weight on your foot. The doctor will examine you to rule out any fractures or ligament tears that could be more serious than a sprain.
Can foot sprain take months to heal?
You should also treat a severe sprain with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, while a less serious sprain can heal within 2 to 4 weeks or less, a severe sprain can take months to heal. Keep weight off of your foot and stick with RICE treatment throughout the healing process.
How do you care for a sprained foot?
A trending video of a dog tending to its owner's sprained foot has gone viral, and it's all kinds of adorable and sentimental. A page named Cuddle My Dog shared the video on Instagram. A golden retriever doggo was seen carefully caring for its owner's ...
What to do if you sprained your foot?
Treatment Options for a Sprained Foot:
- Plenty of rest and stay off of the injury
- Use ice to bring down any swelling
- Keep your injured foot elevated and tie an elastic bandage around to compress the swelling
- Pain medication might be prescribed to help ease the pain
What is the fastest way to heal a sprained foot?
Self-careRest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort.Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake. ... Compression. To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. ... Elevation.
What do you do for a strained foot?
How to treat sprains and strains yourselfRest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.More items...
Can you walk on a strained foot?
“Some sprains just feel twisted or tweaked, and while they are a little swollen and tender, you can still walk. But ankle sprains can also be fairly severe, with lots of swelling and bruising, along with severe pain when any weight is placed on them.”
Is my foot sprained or strained?
A foot sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones of the foot. A foot strain is a stretching or tearing of the tendons and muscles in the foot.
How long does a foot strain take to heal?
Most minor-to-moderate injuries will heal within 2 to 4 weeks. More severe injuries, such as injuries that need a cast or splint, will need a longer time to heal, up to 6 to 8 weeks.
Should a sprained foot be wrapped?
Wrapping a sprained ankle helps reduce swelling and allows the ankle ligaments to heal in a natural position. If a person has a swollen ankle, the ligaments can heal while stretched out, which reduces their functionality.
Should you wrap a sprained foot overnight?
Compression -- Wrapping a stretchable elastic bandage around your foot and ankle can help minimize swelling after injury. If you're going to wrap your ankle, it is best to put the bandage on first thing in the morning, and then take it off at bedtime.
How do I know if my foot injury is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention if you:Have severe pain or swelling.Have an open wound or a wound that is oozing pus.Have signs of infection, such as redness, warmth and tenderness in the affected area or you have a fever over 100 F (37.8 C)Are unable to walk or put weight on your foot.More items...
How should I sleep with a sprained foot?
Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.
What happens if a sprain is left untreated?
If they're left untreated, sprains will often cause the ankle to become unstable, which can lead to chronic pain, swelling, instability and, ultimately, arthritis. Don't delay treatment. Sprains should be immobilized quickly, with the ankle ligaments in a stable position.
Can a sprained foot get worse?
Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and pain in the affected foot, especially with weight-bearing. If symptoms do not resolve quickly or seem to get worse instead of better, a medical provider should be seen to make sure no fracture is involved.
How do you wrap a sprained foot?
Start by wrapping the tape twice around the ball of your foot below the toes. Work your way up by wrapping the bandage several times around your foot and ankle in a figure-eight pattern. Keep the bandage taut. Finish by wrapping the bandage twice around your lower leg, a couple of inches above your ankle.
How to reduce swelling in foot after a sprain?
Compression: Support your foot with a bandage. This will also reduce swelling. Elevate: Raise your foot on a pillow to reduce the flow of fluid to the affected area. You should also avoid taking hot baths or drinking alcoholic beverages for the first two days after the injury.
How do you know if you have a sprain on your foot?
Here are a few signs that you may have a strain, a sprain or top of foot injury: You feel pain, weakness or tenderness around your foot or ankle. The injured part of your foot is bruised or swollen. You feel intense pain or numbness when you try to put weight on the affected foot. You feel cramps or your muscles tighten up on their own.
How to tell if you have a sprain?
Here are a few signs that you may have a strain, a sprain or top of foot injury: 1 You feel pain, weakness or tenderness around your foot or ankle 2 The injured part of your foot is bruised or swollen 3 You feel intense pain or numbness when you try to put weight on the affected foot 4 You feel cramps or your muscles tighten up on their own
What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
A sprain occurs when the ligament that attaches bones together is injured, while a strain is a tear in a tendon or muscle. Learn More About Ankle Sprains.
How long does it take for a fracture to heal?
In most cases, fractures, sprains and strains will heal within 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity and how well you follow the instructions of your doctor and therapist. Joint injuries usually take about three months to heal, while those outside the joint may heal within six weeks.
Can a twist in the ankle cause sharp pain?
Anyone can experience a twist in the ankle, which can cause intermittent sharp pain on the top of the foot. Let’s look at how to identify each of these injuries, as well as treatment tips and options.
Do you need physical therapy for a sprain?
Not all sprains or strains require physical therapy. In most cases, exercises and basic joint movements can improve the speed of healing. Therapy is particularly useful when you experience weakness or stiffness at the area of the injury. Therapy also helps increase muscle strength and range of motion at the joint.
How long does it take to recover from a sprain?
Recovery from sprains can take days to months. A physical therapist can help you to maximize stability and strength of the injured joint or limb.
What is the best medicine for a swollen ear?
Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) also can be helpful.
How to treat a sprained foot?
Mild foot sprains and strains can normally be successfully treated through the usual remedies of rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication is typically administered to reduce swelling and alleviate pain. In some circumstances, mild stretching exercises may be helpful.
What is a sprain in the foot called?
When a sprain occurs in the big toe, rather than midfoot, it is referred to as turf toe. This injury is the result of an awkward twisting or hyperextension of the affected appendage.
What is the difference between a foot sprain and a foot strain?
The difference between the two types of injuries is that sprains affect the ligaments, the thick strands of cartilage attaching one bone to another, and strains affect the muscles or the tendons, thick bands attaching muscle to bone. In both cases, the patient with the injury usually experiences pain (particularly upon movement), swelling, tenderness, bruising, weakness or muscle spasms. Foot sprains, the more serious injury, may also cause possible instability of the joint, most frequently the ankle. Depending on where on the foot the injury occurs, patients may be unable to bear weight until healing takes place.
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
Most patients heal gradually from mild or moderate sprains in approximately 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. In the case of severe sprains or strains, a surgical repair may be necessary, in which case the recovery period may stretch to 3 months.
What is the grade of a sprain?
When diagnosed, both sprains and strains are graded as I, II or III, depending on severity of injury, pain level and lack of function. For both sprains and strains, the categories are designated mild, moderate and severe.
Can a foot sprain cause instability?
Foot sprains, the more serious injury, may also cause possible instability of the joint, most frequently the ankle. Depending on where on the foot the injury occurs, patients may be unable to bear weight until healing takes place.
Can you walk with a bandage?
In some circumstances, mild stretching exercises may be helpful. While severe sprains may require complete immobilization with a cast, with lesser sprains and strains the patient may be able to walk with a bandage or brace, aided by a cane, or may not require any assistance.
What to do if you have a bad sprain?
See a physical therapist to avoid future joint issues. A bad sprain can lead to arthritis and other joint issues later in life. If you’ve suffered significant ligament damage, you’ll need to see a physical therapist to avoid complications.
What is a sprain in foot?
A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. See your doctor if you’ve sprained any part of your foot and can’t bear weight on it. They’ll let you know how severe the injury is and, if necessary, provide crutches and a boot.
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
1. Continue with RICE and allow 6 to 8 months for severe sprains to heal. You should also treat a severe sprain with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. However, while a less serious sprain can heal within 2 to 4 weeks or less, a severe sprain can take months to heal.
How to tell if you have a sprain in your foot?
See a doctor if you can’t bear weight on your foot. Signs of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the joint. Call your doctor if you think you have a sprain, especially if pain is too severe to put weight on your foot. [2]
How long do you have to wear a boot after a sprain?
If you have severe ligament damage, your primary doctor will likely refer you to a podiatrist, or foot specialist. After surgical reconstruction, you’ll have to wear a boot for 4 to 8 weeks.
Can you stand on a grade 3 sprain?
A Grade II sprain may have longer lasting pain, swelling, and bruising. You may not be able to put weight on the foot. A Grade III sprain will have severe pain, swelling, and bruising. You will not be able to stand on the foot.
What is the best treatment for a foot sprain?
If your physician says you have a severe foot sprain, he or she may recommend that you have a foot and ankle surgeon evaluate you and determine if you need surgery. Surgical treatment is usually reserved for Grade III sprains, or for any sprains that are associated with fractures of the nearby bones. Surgery may involve positioning the bones back into their proper position, fusing damaged bones together, and/or using plates or screws to hold bones in place. Following surgery, you will need a period of physical therapy and rehabilitation to help in the recovery process.
What is a sprain in the foot?
A foot sprain is damage to ligaments within the foot. The term "sprain" refers to overstretching or tearing of ligaments — the strong, fibrous bands of tissue that hold the bones together within the joints. Foot sprains are usually sports or dance injuries. Any sort of running movement that involves sudden stops, starts, ...
What causes pain in the base of the big toe?
The pain can also be described by the following: Pain at the base of the big toe: Forefoot sprains generally cause this type of pain. Pain near the arch of the foot: Midfoot sprains generally cause pain in this location. Worse with weight-bearing or even unbearable.
What is the ligament in the middle of the foot?
Midfoot sprains. In the midfoot, a commonly injured ligament is the Lisfranc ligament, which is a set of three ligaments located in the middle of the foot near the arch. Injury to a foot that is in a stepping position is a common cause of midfoot sprains. Other specifics on risks include:
What are the three grades of foot sprains?
Foot sprains are classified into three grades of severity based on associated symptoms. Grade I sprains involve stretching or microscopic tears of the ligaments. Grade II sprains involve more severe stretching or a partial tear of the ligaments . Grade III sprains involve a complete tear of the ligaments.
How long does it take for a foot sprain to heal?
Foot sprains are an acute condition but may require weeks or months of treatment to recover function. The treatment required will vary based on the severity (grade) of the injury. Specific treatment options include rest, immobilization, pain medication, and possible surgery.
What are the symptoms of a foot sprain?
Symptoms of a foot sprain. Foot sprains are classified into three grades of severity based on associated symptoms. Grade I sprains involve stretching or microscopic tears of the ligaments. Grade II sprains involve more severe stretching or a partial tear of the ligaments.
What is the best medicine for a sprained ankle?
In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) — are enough to manage the pain of a sprained ankle.
How to heal a sprained ankle?
approach for the first two or three days: Rest. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. Ice. Use an ice pack or ice slush bath immediately for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake.
How to stop swelling in ankle?
To help stop swelling, compress the ankle with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. Don't hinder circulation by wrapping too tightly. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. Elevation. To reduce swelling, elevate your ankle above the level of your heart, especially at night.
What to do if you have a sprain in your back?
Schedule an appointment or get emergency medical care for suspected sprains that don't respond to self-care strategies or that cause continued pain or instability. If your sprain is severe, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.
What to do if you sprained your ankle while exercising?
If you sprained your ankle while exercising or participating in a sport, talk to your doctor about when you can resume your activity. Your doctor or physical therapist may want you to perform particular activity and movement tests to determine how well your ankle functions for the sports you play.
How to restore ankle range of motion?
Therapy. Once the swelling and pain is lessened enough to resume movement, your doctor will ask you to begin a series of exercises to restore your ankle's range of motion, strength, flexibility and stability. Your doctor or a physical therapist will explain the appropriate method and progression of exercises.
What is the best test to rule out a broken ankle?
If the injury is severe, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following imaging scans to rule out a broken bone or to evaluate in more detail the extent of ligament damage: X-ray. During an X-ray, a small amount of radiation passes through your body to produce images of the bones of the ankle. This test is good for ruling out bone fractures.
What happens if you strain your foot?
When you have a strained tendon in foot, you may develop other complications. Tendonitis, in addition to being a cause of a strained tendon, can also be a complication. With tendonitis, expect swelling of the tendon, hot and reddened skin covering the tendon, and tenderness when you touch the area. Tenosynovitis is another complication of tendon strain. In this condition, the covering of the tendon, the synovium, becomes inflamed. Fortunately, both of these complications are usually not severe and can be treated with rest and use of anti-inflammatory medications.
How to treat a tendon injury?
Treatment will be based on the findings but will almost always include immobilization of your foot using a splint or cast. The provider will typically prescribe non-weight-bearing on that foot - which means you may be on crutches for some time. You will usually be sent to physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and tendons in your leg and foot.
What Is A Foot Sprain?
Symptoms
- In a mild or moderate midfoot sprain, your midfoot area will be swollen and tender, and there may be some local bruising (black and blue discoloration). In more severe sprains, you may not be able to bear weight on your injured foot. If you have turf toe, the base of your big toe will be painful and swollen.
Diagnosis
- After reviewing your symptoms, your doctor will ask you to describe exactly how you injured your foot. He or she also will want to know about your occupation, recreational activities, participation in sports, any previous foot trauma or foot surgery and the type of shoes you usually wear. The doctor then will examine your feet, comparing your injured foot with the uninjured one. During thi…
Expected Duration
- Mild midfoot sprains usually heal within a few weeks, whereas more severe sprains may take up to two months. The pain of turf toe usually subsides within two to three weeks.
Prevention
- In some cases, you may be able to prevent foot sprains by wearing stiff-soled shoes that help to stabilize the foot. A stretching and strengthening program can help to prevent sprains.
When to Call A Professional
- Call your doctor whenever you have symptoms of a sprained foot, such as pain, swelling or bruising, especially if pain prevents you from bearing weight on your injured foot or does not subside over a day or two.
Prognosis
- Because most sprains heal with time, the outlook is usually excellent, particularly in people who do not participate in high-risk activities that twist or bend the feet. In rare cases, a midfoot sprain may cause long-term complications, such as chronic (long-lasting) foot pain or a fallen arch.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer