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 twisting or turning of the ankle or foot.
- The foot will roll inwards or outwards due to stepping on another person’s foot 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.
