If you run, play sports, or work a physically demanding job, you’re more likely to experience a foot sprain. If you suffer an injury and experience foot pain that lasts for more than a day or two, it’s important to seek treatment. At Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, double board-certified podiatrist Marque Allen, DPM, diagnoses and treats foot sprains in people of all ages. To make an appointment at one of the two locations in San Antonio, Texas and Alamo Heights, Texas, call the nearest office today or click the online booking feature.
A foot sprain occurs when you over-extend or tear one (or multiple) ligaments in your feet. Ligaments are incredibly tough pieces of tissue that hold your bones together, ensuring they remain stable.
Considering that human feet contain more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons, foot sprains are one of the most common sports and activity-related injuries.
Foot sprains fall into three categories:
If you have a Grade I sprain, there are only small tears in your ligament.
If you have a Grade II sprain, there are large tears in your ligament, resulting in swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
If you have a Grade III sprain, your ligaments are torn, completely ruptured, or dislocated from the bone. Grade III sprains often require surgical intervention.
Symptoms of foot sprains include:
If you suffer a Grade III sprain, you might also notice a visual abnormality like a swollen bump.
To diagnose a foot sprain, Dr. Allen asks about your symptoms and physically examines your foot.
During the exam at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, he gently presses on the heel and ball of your foot to determine the source of your discomfort. He also orders a series of X-rays to assess the severity of your sprain.
Treatment of a foot sprain depends on several factors, including the severity of the sprain, your medical history, and the injury’s effect on your daily life. Usually, Dr. Allen recommends conservative treatments like:
If your sprain doesn’t get better in a few weeks, or your symptoms get worse and result in ankle instability, Dr. Allen might recommend surgery. During surgery for a foot sprain, Dr. Allen repairs your damaged or ruptured ligaments. Recovery following surgery usually takes between six and eight months.
To explore the various treatment options for foot sprains, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio by calling the nearest office today or clicking the online booking feature.
