Foot sprain, which can be experienced as a result of a wrong movement or activity in daily life, is a common discomfort in society. It occurs when the ankle joint, which connects the foot with the leg, is damaged as a result of sudden movements or reverse movements. Immediately after the sprain, severe pain and swelling can be seen in the ankle. In addition, redness, bruising and restriction of movement may occur. If left untreated, an ankle sprain can lead to bigger problems and complications. In cases of ankle sprain, it is necessary to consult a health institution as soon as possible and treat the ankle.
What is a foot sprain?
What is foot sprain, foot sprain can be defined as the injury of the hard and soft tissue bands that provide the task of connecting the leg bones to the ankle as a result of sudden movements. This discomfort, which can be encountered quite frequently, causes a foot sprain due to the rotation or strain of the ankle as a result of a momentary wrong movement. The hard tissue ligaments in the ankle maintain normal ranges of motion by keeping the joints stable. These ligaments have a flexible structure. However, tears can occur in these flexible ligaments when overstrained. The methods used in the treatment of foot sprain may differ according to the symptoms of the sprain. A foot sprain, which can be overcome with short-term pain from time to time, can sometimes turn into a more serious condition with joint damage or bone fracture. In foot sprain injuries, loosening of the ankle joint and tearing of tissue ligaments are seen. Therefore, if the injury is neglected, the ankle is likely to be sprained again and these sprains may recur frequently. This situation causes deterioration of the joint cartilages.
Why Does Foot Sprain Occur?
It is possible to experience foot sprain as a result of a sudden wrong movement during any physical activity during the day. Not only sports activities, but also simple, routine activities in daily life can result in ankle injuries. It is seen that 20% of ankle injuries occur as a result of sports activities. Apart from this, it is also common to encounter foot sprains as a result of daily activities. There is a possibility of ligament tearing due to the rotation of the foot in uneven and uneven areas.
Stage-1 foot sprain
Stretching of the tissue ligaments in the ankle occurs. Edema occurs as a result of blistering in the foot.
Stage-2 foot sprain
There is laxity in the ankle. There is partial tearing of tissue ligaments.
Stage-3 foot sprain
It may not be possible for the torn tissue ligaments to repair themselves. Stage 3 foot sprains may require surgical intervention.
What are the Risk Factors for Foot Sprain?
There are some conditions that may constitute a risk factor in foot sprain injuries. They can be listed as follows:
Foot sprain; It is frequently seen due to the fact that many sports activities that can be listed such as basketball, football, tennis, volleyball, jumping, running constitute a risk factor.
Ankle sprain can occur again with complications due to a previous ankle sprain or as a result of any ankle injury.
The weak and weak structure of the ankle can cause easier injuries.
Walking on uneven and uneven ground or on a surface with poor conditions is a risk factor for ankle sprains.
Wearing high-heeled shoes or choosing shoes that are not suitable for the foot prepares the ground for foot sprains.
What are the Symptoms of Foot Sprain?
It is likely to recognize the injury caused by a sprain in the ankle. Because the pain restricts the person's movement and the person has difficulty in performing simple physical and routine activities where the foot is used, such as walking and running. A simple hand and eye examination will be sufficiently descriptive of the symptoms of an ankle sprain. In an ankle sprain, the person feels so intense pain and soreness that he/she cannot step on the foot. After the sprain, bruising and swelling may occur in the area after cold compressing the painful area with ice. These symptoms support a foot sprain. However, depending on the severity of the sprain, sensitivity in the ankle, stiffness, discoloration of the skin other than bruising due to injury may be noticed.
How is Ankle Sprain Diagnosed?
For the diagnosis of ankle sprain, the patient's complaints and history are listened to. Then a physical examination is performed by the physician. During this, the foot and lower leg are examined. In severe foot sprain injuries, there may be a fracture or crack in the bone. Despite these possibilities, a detailed examination is performed with the support of some imaging methods.
X-ray of the ankle
X-rays of the area are taken to determine whether there is a fracture in the ankle.
Ultrasound
It is used to examine the condition of the ligaments and tissues of the foot in different positions.
Computed Tomography (CT)
It takes a three-dimensional image of the bones that make up the ankle joint and helps to make a more detailed scan of the area.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
It is used to obtain three-dimensional, detailed images, including the soft and hard tissues of the ankle.
What is good for foot sprains?
There are various herbal treatment methods recommended for foot sprain injuries. However, these methods do not have a scientifically proven benefit. The first thing to do after a foot sprain is to be examined by a physician. It is important that the appropriate treatment is given to the patient with the doctor's advice. If pain and edema are observed in the foot after a sprain, there are first interventions that can be applied to reduce these effects. A cold compress with an ice pack can help with swelling and edema. After the swelling and edema begin to subside, the ankle can be wrapped with an elastic bandage. This will protect the ankle and stabilize the foot for a while to allow the ankle sprain to heal. Pain relief pills and creams can also be used at this time. Resting the ankle is important for the healing process.
What are the Complications of Foot Sprain?
Failure to treat the sprain appropriately and correctly or re-spraining the previously sprained ankle; various activities in which the foot is used after the sprained foot does not heal sufficiently can cause complications in foot sprain. Some of these complications can be listed as follows:
- Chronic ankle joint instability
- Arthritis of the ankle joint
- Chronic ankle pain
What are the Ways to Prevent Foot Sprains?
Some measures that can be taken to prevent foot sprains can be stated as follows:
- Warm-up exercises should be done before doing sports.
- Regular exercises should be done to increase and strengthen muscle strength.
- Care should be taken when walking on uneven ground.
- Shoes suitable for the activities should be preferred.
- Wearing high heels should be avoided.
- If the ankle has been injured before, bandages should be used to protect the ankle.
How many days does a foot sprain heal?
Depending on the severity of the sprain, the healing process of the injury varies. In stage 1 foot sprains, the foot sprain injury will heal within a maximum of three weeks. In stage 2 sprains, healing depends on the rest period. This period can take 1-1.5 months. Stage 3 foot sprains may require surgical intervention, so recovery from ankle sprain may take time.
Foot Sprain and Swelling
If swelling or edema is observed after an ankle sprain, this is normal for sprains. The ankle swells due to the high pressure caused by sudden movement and the tissue needs time to recover. The healing process can be accelerated with appropriate intervention to the swelling after sprain. Cold compress application will be effective to reduce swelling.
Foot Sprain Exercises
In the treatment of foot sprain, after the swelling goes down and the pain subsides, it will be effective to perform exercises for the complete healing of the foot and to prevent the sprain from recurring. Attention should be paid to the method and frequency of exercises to be performed according to the condition of the muscles and joints. An orthopedic physician should be consulted for this. The healing process can be accelerated in the treatment of foot sprain with simple exercises that can be done at home.
Which Department Should I Go to When I Sprain My Foot?
In foot sprain injuries, an orthopedic physician should be consulted, especially if severe and persistent pain is experienced. After performing the appropriate examination, the orthopedic physician will apply the necessary treatment and provide the patient with the right guidance.