Sports trauma, accidents, and falls can lead to foot sprains and fractures. A fractured foot is more painful and complex than a sprained foot, but symptoms are similar for both injuries. Visit a foot doctor to diagnose whether it’s a sprain or fracture. A delay in seeking medical attention causes complications in your foot.
Here are things you should know about foot fractures and sprains:
What Is the Key Difference?
Sprains result from an excessive tear or overstretching of the ligament on your foot. Partial or complete torn ligaments may indicate that you have a sprained foot. Sprains only affect soft tissue in your foot.
Fractures occur when you break your foot’s bone. Fractures are not visible with naked eyes unless the bone is protruding. You only notice that your foot positioning is looking slightly off from the usual angle. Consult a physician to examine your foot and get appropriate treatment.
Types and Symptoms of a Sprained Foot
There are three types of foot sprains: grade 1 sprain, grade 2 sprain, and grade 3 sprain. Grade 1 sprains are the least painful as the ligaments only have small tears. Grade 2 has large tears, while grade 3 sprains have detached and wholly torn ligaments. These types of sprains have the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Mild to extreme pain
- Limping due to detached torn ligaments
Sprained Foot Treatment
You need a foot doctor to diagnose your injury through x-rays to determine the severity. The treatment depends on the degree and type of injury after diagnosis. If it is a minor injury (grade 1 sprain), a doctor can prescribe medication to enable you to continue your daily schedule.
Crutches are often required when you have large or detached ligaments. This helps you recover fast and avoid hurting your foot more. A foot clinician may recommend surgery if there are grade 3 sprains that have entirely torn ligaments. Take over-the-counter painkiller medication during the healing process to reduce discomfort from the ailing foot.
The recovery process depends on how you care for the sprained foot. A doctor recommends the following after-care interventions:
- Rest and avoid intensive physical activities that over-stretch your foot.
- Ice your foot three times a day.
- Ensure proper compression by wrapping your foot with a bandage to avoid swelling.
- Elevate your foot while resting to avoid straining the injured area.
Symptoms of a Fractured Foot
Signs and symptoms depend on the degree and severity of the broken bone. A fractured foot involves an injury with misaligned or protruding bones. Some of these noticeable fractured foot symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Acute pain gets worse when involved in physical activities
- Deformity around the broken area
- Inability and difficulties in supporting the body through the injured foot
Fractured Foot Treatment
A foot specialist carries out a diagnosis to confirm and examine the severity of the broken area. The options for diagnosis include physical examination, CT scan, and X-rays. A hairline fracture is not complex as compared to protruding bone fracture. Here are treatment options available for fractured foot:
- Minor surgery for severe fractures
- Physical bone manipulation to align the section that has a problem
- Injections and oral medication
- A cast to keep the broken bones in position
- Crutches or a wheelchair to facilitate physical movement
The recovery period depends on how you care for the fractured foot. Take medication and avoid strenuous activities. Strictly follow your doctor’s instructions and recommendations. This helps with a smooth recovery process and prevents future foot problems.
Underlying health conditions such as anemia or diabetes slow the recovery process. Seek special care from a foot specialist when you have other related illnesses like hypothyroidism.
When to Get Medical Attention From a Foot Doctor?
Contact a foot doctor immediately after getting involved in an accident or fall. They will help determine whether you have a sprain or a foot fracture. A certified foot doctor diagnoses and initiates the appropriate treatment to prevent further foot complications.
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