Ask your doctor which over-the-counter pain relievers are best for you based on your health history and other medications. When the injury occurs to the middle part of the foot, this is called a mid-foot sprain. Don't exceed 30 minutes and wait at least an hour in between icing. More severe pain may require a course of prescription medications such as tramadol (Ultram). Mild sprains can often be treated at home. Miguel Cunha, DPM. It could take anywhere from 16 weeks to 12 months to fully recover. They are: One of the most common ligament injuries in the foot is plantar fasciitis. However, please note that injuries like these will take time to heal, so you must be patient. A sprain occurs when you stretch or tear a ligament, the tissue in your joints that connects two bones. If it is painful to put weight on your foot, your provider may give you a splint or crutches to use while your foot heals. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: OrthoInfo. To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Learn more about link terms and conditions. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. A computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the foot may be done in certain patients, especially professional dancers or athletes, who have unusual pain or joint instability in spite of having normal X-ray results. Common toe pain causes include bunions & toenail problems. For the first 2 days after your injury, avoid hot showers, hot tubs, or hot packs. Accessed April 27, 2018. Do any exercises that your doctor or physical therapist suggests. 2012;4(6):518-534. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. From your ankle to your toes, your foot contains many bones, ligaments, and joints that are prone to injury. Editorial team. Grade I The injury is fairly mild, causing microscopic tears or stretching of the ligaments. Your physician may recommend using crutches while the foot is immobilized to prevent weight-bearing. Learn more about speaking with a sports specialized provider via SportsMD's 24/7 Telemedicine Service. Ligaments are the tough tissues that connect one bone to another. Being overweight puts you at risk of hurting your feet and ankles. The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. You should also see a foot and ankle specialist to make sure you don't have any fractures or tears of the ligament that could require more treatment. Immediately following the injury causing your foot sprain, your physician may recommend various treatments to reduce the swelling and prevent further injury. This may occur when you play basketball, soccer, or other sports. Ankle pain refers to any kind of pain or discomfort affecting any part of the ankle. Injury to a foot that is in a stepping position is a common cause of midfoot sprains. Foot sprains almost always heal on their own, but it takes time. If you feel pain in your foot, stop whatever youre doing. Warm up and stretch. Distinguishing a sprain from a strain can be tricky. Try to keep it elevated above the level of your heart to minimize swelling. While mild to moderate sprains should heal within a few weeks, it could take several months to fully recover from a severe sprain. Elevation: The final step is to elevate the foot, preferably to above the heart level. This content does not have an English version. You dont typically need invasive treatment for a foot sprain. You can begin light activity once the pain has decreased and the swelling has gone down. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. After 2 or 3 days, if your swelling is gone, put a heating pad (set on low) or a warm cloth on your foot. You have tingling, weakness, or numbness in your leg or foot. If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. Grade I, minor. A broken ankle or ankle fracture is when one or more of the bones in your ankle break. Some ligamentous and tendinous injuries require surgery, but many injuries can be managed conservatively using orthobiologics. Some doctors suggest that you go back and forth between hot and cold treatments. This will help reduce swelling. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This can be felt on the bottom, top, or sides of the foot. With unlimited growth potential, both professionally and personally, now is the time to start your future with Ochsner. Compression: The third step is to compress the area. http://www.acfaom.org/, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Early exercises in your treatment plan will not require you to turn or twist your ankle, but over time, you'll be able to get back to regular activities that may require sudden turns (like playing football or basketball). Stop any physical activity that causes pain, and keep your foot still when possible. Sprains range in severity from Grade I to Grade III. Connect to care at Ochsner. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Compression can help control swelling as well as immobilize and support your injury. Prevention Takeaway FAQ Broken foot treatment may involve rest, applying ice, elevating the foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, wearing a cast, or using crutches to keep weight off of. It wasn't too bad but there was some swelling and. The best way to do this is by laying down on a couch or bed with the foot resting on the armrest or footboard. % of people told us that this article helped them. Rest, ice and compression are recommended. What Does It Mean if Your Right Foot Itches? Your doctor may suggest that you immobilize the area with a brace or splint. There are three types of sprains: mild, moderate and severe. If your symptoms continue for more than four to six weeks after injury and you still feel weakness when walking on your foot, you may have a chronic ankle sprain. A.D.A.M. How long has your foot pain been going on? If you don't allow your ankle ligaments time to heal, you may have long-lasting instability (chronic ankle sprains) or repeat ankle sprains. You should visit your healthcare provider for severe sprain evaluation if you can't walk after an injury and your swelling and pain haven't improved or have gotten worse 24-48 hours after the sprain occurred. Overview of Sprains and Other Soft-Tissue Injuries. Foot pain can be caused by minor issues like a blister or ingrown toenail that can be treated at home. If you were given crutches, use them as directed. Ligaments are the tough tissues that connect one bone to another. The skin on your injured foot is blue or pale. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2012. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Take a quiz to find out if you have foot sprain. Navigation Menu - Opens a Simulated Dialog, William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine, Gavin W.G. You have large tears in the ligaments. Follow us on these external social media sites that will open in a new browser window. The pain of turf toe usually subsides within two to three weeks. This content does not have an Arabic version. Ma CB. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Details include: Following the foot sprain, your physician may also recommend immobilizing the foot in a splint or boot. Maintain good muscle strength by exercising regularly. Grade II sprains can take 6 to 8 weeks to heal and may require additional, Grade III sprains can take 6 to 8 months to heal and fully restore function to the foot.. COMPRESS your ankle using a wrap, bandage, or sleeve (look for elastic or neoprene if possible). Theyll consider: Your doctor may also suggest an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the sprains severity. What is turf toe? If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed. Everyone has a unique foot shape. Selecting these links will take you away from KP.org. Ankle sprain. Sports Health. Turf toe usually is treated with RICE, an NSAID and splinting. Because a serious midfoot sprain can threaten the career of professional athletes or dancers, they often need to follow special treatment and rehabilitation regimens to ensure that the injured foot heals with a proper balance of flexibility and stability. Prop up your foot on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down. Common causes of pain in the big toe are a broken or sprained big toe, nerve damage, or gout. Rebuilding strength in your ankle after a sprain can help prevent future sprains. For example, landing clumsily after a jump or stumbling on rocks can twist and tear the ligaments in your foot. Board Certified Podiatrist. Not being able to put weight on your foot. What to Expect Symptoms of a foot sprain include: Pain and tenderness near the arch of the foot. Because the foot bears the entire body's weight with each step and contains numerous bones and joints, you may expect the foot to be at high risk of sprains. For immediate self-care of a sprain, try the R.I.C.E. Lisfranc (midfoot) injury. Foot sprain. This type of injury is also known as "turf toe." Ankle and foot injuries. They may increase swelling. If you've injured your foot on a hike, run, or bike ride, the first question you'll probably ask is: Do I need to see a doctor? For milder midfoot sprains, initial treatment follows the RICE rule: Your doctor also may suggest that you take acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) for pain or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others), to relieve pain and ease swelling. Expert Interview. http://www.niams.nih.gov/, American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) If your doctor doesnt refer you to a physical therapist, ask them to recommend stretches and exercises that benefit your specific injury. A broken foot or ankle can also cause bruises on top of the foot. Dr. Miguel Cunha is the founder of Gotham Footcare and is a podiatrist based in Manhattan, New York. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Q and A:Help with sports injuries, Information about medical problems you've had, Information about the medical problems of your parents or siblings, All the medications and dietary supplements you take. The goal is in front of you. Put some ice in a kitchen towel and place it on your foot for about 30 minutes. Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. A higher-top shoe can protect your ankle while a stiffer sole shoe can protect your foot. Hyperextension of the big toe, or bending the big toe backward more than normal, is the most common cause of forefoot sprains. Mild midfoot sprains usually heal within a few weeks, whereas more severe sprains may take up to two months. Medical Review:Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Gavin W.G. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS: Return to the emergency department if: You have numbness or tingling below the injury, such as in your toes. Grade II sprains involve more severe stretching or a partial tear of the ligaments. The majority of sprains heal on their own but treatment to strengthen the injured muscles can prevent future sprains. Depending on your injurys severity, youll start physical therapy 4 to 8 weeks after surgery. Grade I, or minor, sprains may feel slightly sore and swell a little bit. If you fell or twisted your ankle, and the injury causes you pain, swelling, bruising and you have trouble walking, you can assume that you have a sprained ankle. 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. Peroneal tendonitis is inflammation in the tendons that run along your outer ankle bone and the side of your foot. Ligaments are tough tissues that connect bones. This most often occurs with more severe injuries. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Theyll let you know how severe the injury is and, if necessary, provide crutches and a boot. Be cautious of your environment. Thanks.". When to see a doctor after an ankle sprain. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Strength training for the muscles and tendons in the front and back of your legs. Wrap your foot with an elastic bandage, and rest, ice, apply compression, and elevate it until pain and swelling subside. Sprained ankles are common and well-known, but you should keep in mind that you can sprain any joint in your body. Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Your prognosis depends on your commitment to building strength back in your ankle through exercises and rehabilitation. Lisfranc Fracture. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 14 May 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 28 May 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. Instead, wear something sturdy, like boots. Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions. A sprain can happen when you run, fall, or hit your toe against something. Published November 27, 2016. The most common type of ankle sprain is an inversion injury, or lateral ankle sprain. 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. Around 90% of ankle sprains involve an inversion injury (the foot turns inward) to the anterior talofibular (ATFL) and calcaneofibular (CFL) ligaments the lateral ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Ice: Use ice or a cold pack on the affected area. Ankle pain can happen for many reasons. Pain, especially when putting weight on your ankle. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. If your sprain is very painful and swollen or you're having trouble walking and putting pressure on your ankle, visit your healthcare provider for treatment. A sprained ankle is when the ligaments in your ankle are torn. The diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging such as X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI. Elevate the injured foot. When foot sprains occur, they usually involve one of two distinct areas: 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). Ankle arthritis is no exception. This may occur when you play basketball, soccer, or other sports. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are . However, sprains of the foot are fairly rare, except in people who participate in certain sports or occupations that subject the feet to abnormal twisting motions or bends. Don't place the ice directly onto your skin. Request for confidential communications forms, Learn more about link terms and conditions. Don't place the ice directly onto your skin. Stretching can make your ligaments more elastic and resistant to tearing. Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Recovery from sprains can take days to months. Read on for expert advice on how to return to your regular activities after a foot sprain! A foot sprain occurs when you stretch or tear the ligaments around your foot. Return to your usual exercise gradually as you feel better. You should contact your doctor if your foot is numb or tingly or if your symptoms persist or worsen. Are best for you based on your commitment to building strength back in your ankle to your exercise. Preferably to above the level of your heart to minimize swelling that run along your outer ankle and... Elevated above the level of your legs exercise gradually as you feel better medicine, ask your doctor your! Front and back of your heart to minimize swelling of injury is also known as turf... 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