Identifying and Treating a Sprained Foot
Identifying and treating a sprained foot can be a little more difficult than it sounds. For instance, it is fairly easy for one to confuse a sprain with a strain, which are really two different conditions but cause many of the same symptoms. A minor fracture can also be confused with a sprain. In this article, we are going to talk about ways that one can identify the symptoms of a sprained foot and what actions can be taken at home to treat this condition. We will also discuss the symptoms that suggest the aid of a doctor rather than an attempt at treating the condition at home.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is what we call a ligament that has sustained damage such as over-stretching or out-right tearing. Ligaments are thick and tough tissues that unite the bones together. Some of the most commonly-sprained ligaments are in the wrist and ankle. Sprains can be caused by a number of activities, the most common ones being running, baseball, football, and soccer. A sprained foot is also likely to occur through a trip or fall, especially one involving stairs.
What are the symptoms of a sprained foot?
When a ligament in the foot has been damaged, the most obvious sign of a sprain is pain in the foot. The most common place to experience this pain is at the base of the toes where they connect to the other bones in the foot. The pain associated with a sprained foot is often described as a persistent but dull ache that may or may not find relief when massaged. Pain that is excruciating or nearly unbearable is more likely to be a broken bone. Other symptoms include swelling or redness of the foot due to inflammation. When a partial tear of the ligament has occurred, bruising of all different colors may occur and the pain is often a little more hindering when weight is put on the foot. A severe sprain is when the ligament tears altogether. With this type of sprain, it is almost impossible to use the foot as it often hurts too much to put any weight on it.
How can a sprained foot be treated at home?
Treating a minor sprain at home is not a difficult process. The first concern is to take and keep weight off of the foot. This means plenty of rest! Muscles, ligaments, and tendons will simply not heal as efficiently if they keep receiving stress that causes further damage. Elevating the foot will help reduce further swelling by slowing the flow of blood to the extremity. Ice is the next component of caring for a sprain. Ice can be placed in a zip-top bag and then wrapped in a thin towel (such as a tea or glass towel). This should be applied to the area to help reduce swelling. For the first two days or so, the ice pack should be refreshed every three or four hours. Refreshing the ice pack too frequently could cause discomfort or damage to the skin. Anti-inflammatory medication is also a great tool to cut back on redness and swelling. Aspirin, naproxen (Aleve), and ibuprofen (Motrin) are cheap and effective options.
The important thing to consider with a sprain is whether the pain is extreme enough to suggest the need for a doctor. If the sprain is particularly bad—by which we mean severe bruising, instant inflammation and swelling, and being unable to use the foot—then a doctor should be contacted immediately to check for broken bones or a full ligament tear. This is done by thoroughly inspecting the foot and taking an x-ray of the damaged area.
In most cases, a damaged ligament in the foot is not a cause for serious concern. Many of us have indeed experienced this sort of pain several times without sustaining any long-term damage. However, if one is in doubt as to whether a serious injury has occurred, the smartest move is to simply visit the doctor. If it turns out that it is a minor sprain, at least one has the peace of mind to return home and nurse their injury. Yet, in the event that serious damage has been done, one will feel equally relieved that they chose to seek out a doctor.