How to treat a sprained foot

Content

Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treating mild to moderate sprains
Method 2 of 3: Treating Severe Sprains
Method 3 of 3: Return to Activity

The foot - between the ankle and the toes - contains many bones, ligaments and joints that are prone to injury. A sprain is a type of injury during which the ligaments are stretched or torn. If you have sprained anything in your foot and cannot step on it, see your doctor. The doctor will determine the severity of the injury and, if necessary, advise on where to get an orthosis (derotation boot), crutches or a cane. Wrap an elastic bandage around the foot, rest more, apply ice and compresses, and keep the limb above the level of the heart until the pain and swelling subside. Although mild to moderate sprains heal within a week, recovering from a severe sprain can take several months.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Treating mild to moderate sprains

1 See your doctor if you are unable to step on your feet. Symptoms of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move the foot. See your doctor if you think you have a sprain, especially if the pain is so unbearable that it won't allow you to step on your leg.
- The doctor will conduct a physical examination, and, if necessary, other methods of imaging. He will then tell you the severity of the injury.
- Grade 1 sprains are characterized by mild pain and swelling. As a rule, such stretching does not need the help of a doctor.
- The need for medical attention arises with a sprain of 2 and 3 degrees (moderate to severe). A grade 2 sprain is characterized by prolonged pain, swelling, and bruising. Most likely, with him you will not be able to step on your feet. Signs of a Grade 3 sprain include severe pain, swelling, and bruising. With this stretch, you will definitely not be able to step on your foot.
2 Rest until the pain and swelling have subsided. Cure the sprain by following the RICE technique: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Get plenty of rest, don't do anything that causes pain, and try not to move your leg. If it hurts to step on your leg, ask your doctor for crutches or a cane. Please note that free crutches are not provided under the CHI program, the same applies to VHI.
3 Apply ice to the stretch site for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Apply a cold compress until symptoms subside. Ice will help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Do not place ice or ice pack directly on your skin, but wrap it in a towel.
4 Wrap the foot with an elastic bandage so that it exerts some pressure on the leg. Wrap the foot tightly, but so as not to block blood circulation. If the bandage has clamps, use them to secure the bandage. Otherwise, use a medical tape to stick the bandage to your leg.
- Your doctor can also tell you where to get a brace or bandage. The compulsory medical insurance and voluntary medical insurance policies do not cover the costs of such things.
5 Raise your leg to reduce swelling. Keep your foot above your heart as often as possible. To do this, lie on the bed and place 2-3 pillows under your leg so that it is above chest level.
- This position should reduce blood flow to the leg and reduce swelling.
6 Take pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Over-the-counter medications should be sufficient to relieve pain and swelling. Take your medicines according to the directions for use or as directed by your doctor.

Method 2 of 3: Treating Severe Sprains

1 Continue to follow the RICE technique. It can take 6 to 8 months to recover from a severe sprain. Rest, apply ice and compresses, and keep the limb above heart level and during heavy stretching. Although less severe sprains can heal in 2–4 weeks, severe sprains can take several months. Do not step on the affected leg and continue to follow the RICE technique throughout the recovery period.
2 Wear the retention cast as directed by your doctor. A severe sprain is characterized by severe injury to the ligaments. In order for them to heal, the leg must be immobilized as much as possible. Your doctor will put a fixation cast on your leg or tell you where to get orthopedic shoes, telling you how long you should wear them.
3 If your ligaments are seriously injured, you should talk with your doctor about surgery. Grade 3 sprains may need surgery. If you have injured several ligaments, your doctor will refer you to an orthopedist (specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of deformities and dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system). After you recover from surgery, you will need to wear orthopedic shoes for 4-8 weeks.
- Depending on the severity of the injury, physical therapy will begin 4–8 weeks after surgery. Full recovery can take anywhere from 16 weeks to a full year.

Method 3 of 3: Return to Activity

1 Return to light physical activity when pain and swelling have subsided. Talk to your doctor before stepping on an injured leg, especially if you have a moderate to severe sprain. Begin walking when you can step on the sore leg without feeling pain. Start with a 15–20 second walk and decrease this time if you feel muscle pain.
- Gradually increase the duration of your walks.
2 Wear shoes with insoles or boots with stiff soles. Your doctor may advise you to wear shoes with insertable insoles to support your foot during recovery. Alternatively, wear stiff-soled boots every time you step on your sore leg.
- Walking barefoot or wearing inappropriate shoes, such as flip flops, can exacerbate your injury.
3 Stop doing what you are doing if you feel sharp pain. Shift your weight immediately to your healthy leg if you experience severe pain. Relax and apply a cold compress for 20 minutes to relieve discomfort.
- See your doctor if you suddenly experience pain or swelling after physical activity.
4 See a physical therapist to avoid future joint problems. Severe sprains can lead to arthritis and other joint problems.If you have severely injured your ligaments, see a physical therapist to avoid complications.
- If your doctor does not refer you to a physical therapist, ask them for advice on stretching and exercises that will be helpful for your type of injury.