Foot Sprain

What is an Foot Sprain?

A foot sprain is a tear of ligaments, the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to one another inside a joint. Sprains range in severity from Grade I to Grade III.

Common Causes:

• • Sports-related fall
  • Twist of the midfoot
  • Dancers who lose their balance
  • Landing on foot abnormally
  • High-impact trauma such as a motor vehicle accident

Symptoms of an Foot Sprain may include:

• • Swollen
  • Tenderness
  • Localized bruising
  • Inability to bear weight on your injured foot.

Because the foot bears the entire body’s weight with each step and contains numerous bones and joints, you may expect the foot to be at high risk of sprains. However, sprains of the foot are fairly rare, except in people who participate in certain sports or occupations that subject the feet to abnormal twisting motions or bends.

When you arrive for your initial consultation, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) our foot specialist will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing a Foot Sprain, the OPA specialist will provide:

• • A medical, injury, and symptom history review
  • A physical examination
  • Multiple view x-rays or MRI

After the examination, the OPA  foot and ankle specialist will determine the grade of your sprain to help develop a treatment plan. Sprains are graded based on how much damage has occurred to the ligaments.

Grade 1 Sprain (Mild):

• The injury is fairly mild, causing microscopic tears or stretching of the ligaments.

Grade 2 Sprain (Moderate):

• The ligaments may be partially torn, and the stretching is more severe.

Grade 3 Sprain (Severe):

• The ligaments are completely torn, so the foot may be unstable and no longer able to bear weight.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options are commonly used to treat foot sprains. A treatment plan usually consists of multiple treatment options:

Mild midfoot sprains usually heal within a few weeks, whereas more severe sprains may take up to two months
At OPA, our Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained Foot Specialists are experst in diagnosing and treating Foot Sprains.