Foot Sprain or Strain
Foot sprains and strains often occur when the ankle or foot twists or turns, which can cause pain, bruising or swelling.
What Is a Foot Sprain or Strain?
- A foot sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments (bands of tough tissue) that connect the bones of the foot.
- A foot strain is a stretching or tearing of the tendons (tissue that attaches muscle to bone) and muscles in the foot.
What Causes Foot Sprains and Strains?
- A sprain or strain occurs most often from a sudden forceful twisting or turning of the ankle or foot.
- The foot will roll inwards most commonly, or sometimes outwards due to stepping on another person’s foot, uneven surface or stepping in a hole.
What Are the Symptoms of Foot Sprains or Strains?
- Pain with movement or activity over the affected site.
- Swelling on the outside or inside of the foot or ankle.
- Walking with a limp.
- Bruising around the inside or outside of the foot or ankle.
What Can I Do to Feel Better?
- Rest. Do not do things that cause pain.
- Ice for 15-20 minutes at a time will help decrease swelling and pain.
- Compression can be helpful to decrease swelling and pain.
- Elevation. Prop the foot up higher than the heart to help drain swelling.
When Should I See a Medical Professional?
- If rest, ice, compression and elevation are not improving the condition.
- If you are unable to put weight on your foot.
- If there is an obvious deformity of the foot or pain directly over a bone.
- If you are unsure about the severity of the condition.
Medical Reviewer: Eric Leighton, AT, ATC, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Date Last Reviewed: 9/3/2025
The information provided here is only for general reference and should not take the place of medical care or patient education. If you have any questions, please call your child's care team.
