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Foot Sprain

Foot Sprains / Fractures

About Foot Sprains / Fractures

At Hand & Ortho, we understand how disruptive foot sprains and fractures can be to your daily life. A foot sprain occurs when the ligaments that support your foot are stretched or torn, while a fracture refers to a break in one or more of the bones in your foot. Both injuries can cause significant pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, but with proper care, recovery is possible.

Causes

Foot sprains and fractures can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Twisting or rolling the foot during physical activities or sports, particularly on uneven surfaces.
  • Falling or tripping that leads to an awkward landing or direct impact on the foot.
  • High-impact sports, such as running, basketball, or soccer, where the foot is subjected to sudden forces.
  • Accidents or trauma, like car accidents or falling from a height, can also cause fractures.
Symptoms

If you’ve injured your foot, you may experience symptoms such as:

  • Pain in the foot, especially when standing, walking, or bearing weight.
  • Swelling and bruising around the affected area.
  • Difficulty walking or standing due to pain or instability.
  • Tenderness when touching the injured foot.
  • In cases of fractures, you may notice deformity or a visible bone protrusion.
Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose a foot sprain or fracture, we’ll perform a detailed evaluation. This may include:

  • Physical examination to assess the pain, swelling, and mobility of your foot.
  • X-rays to check for fractures and determine the severity of the bone injury.
  • MRI or ultrasound if we suspect damage to the soft tissues, such as ligaments or tendons.
Treatment

The treatment plan for your foot injury will depend on the severity of the sprain or fracture. Possible treatment options include:

  • R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for mild sprains to reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
  • Immobilization with a cast, boot, or splint for fractures to help stabilize the bones while they heal.
  • Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your foot and improve range of motion once the injury starts to heal.
  • In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bones and ensure proper healing.
  • Pain management with medications to control discomfort during the recovery process.
Recovery

Recovery from a foot sprain or fracture will vary depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment needed. In general, recovery includes:

  • Gradual return to normal activity as your foot heals, with clearance from our medical team.
  • Physical therapy to help restore strength, flexibility, and stability to your foot.
  • For fractures, recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the extent of the injury and whether surgery was required.
  • Follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure that your foot is healing properly.

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