You awkwardly stumble over a curb in the sidewalk. Your immediate concern is your ankle, but then you notice that a sharp pain shoots through your foot. Is it possible to sprain your foot?
In short, foot sprains are real. While they can be painful and disruptive, they are less common than ankle sprains. In this guide, we will discuss what a foot sprain is and how to recover from one.
What is a Sprain?
The bones in your body are connected at the joints by bands of connective tissue known as ligaments. When these ligaments become damaged, usually by being stretched or torn, you experience a sprain. Sprains are often caused by sports activities, but they can also result from repetitive strain or a fall.
Your risk of a sprain increases if you’re an athlete, engage in repetitive motions, or suddenly increase your physical activity. Sprains can occur at any joint, but the wrist, ankle, knees, and fingers are most common.
Can You Really Sprain Your Foot?
There are a total of 33 joints and over 100 ligaments located in the human foot, and any one of them can be sprained. The midfoot sprain is the most common type, and can be caused by landing on your foot unevenly.
Symptoms of a Foot Sprain
Whether there is a specific event, such as a sports fall, or a case of overuse, such as suddenly increasing your exercise, common symptoms of a foot sprain include:
- Pain and tenderness in the foot
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Instability or stiffness
How to Treat a Foot Sprain
Fortunately, most mild foot sprains heal within one to six weeks with rest and proper care. These steps can help your recovery process:
- Avoid putting weight on your foot as much as possible.
- Apply ice to the area for 15 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
- Compress your foot to support the joint and reduce swelling.
- Elevate your foot above heart level.
If you’re experiencing severe pain, swelling, or difficulty walking on the injured foot, it may indicate a more serious sprain that requires medical attention.
If you’re unsure about the severity of your foot sprain, visit your nearest Integrity Urgent Care location. They can perform a physical exam and, in some cases, order imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to assess the extent of the damage. If a ligament is torn, surgery may be necessary.
How to Prevent a Foot Sprain
Sprains are common, but you may be able to lower your risk of injury by wearing supportive shoes, warming up before you exercise, and giving your foot time to rest if it feels strained.
Integrity Urgent Care for Foot Sprain Relief
Are you worried about a foot sprain or another injury? Visit Integrity Urgent Care at one of our convenient locations across Texas.
