First Aid For Injuries To The Foot

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Overview Of A Foot Sprain

A sprained foot is more frequent than fractures. Any slight injuries to the foot can result in a sprain. A sprain is damage to the joint when a tendon gets twisted or stretched too far. It is important to know the first aid procedure for a sprained foot and how to avoid the injury from getting worse.

What Is A Foot Sprain?

A foot sprain is a split or when the ligaments are stretch too far. There are three types of sprain injuries.

  • Type 1 is mild, and results in tiny tears or overstretching the ligaments.
  • Type 2 sprains occur when the tendons are partially torn, and the stretching is more severe than type 1.
  • Type 3 sprains are the most painful and take place when the ligaments are fully torn, and the foot can’t handle any pressure making it difficult to stand. Foot sprains usually occur in the mid-foot.

Foot Sprain Symptoms

A sprained foot is more widespread than fractures and breaks. Any slight injuries to the foot can result in a sprain.
A sprained foot is more widespread than fractures and breaks. Any slight injuries to the foot can result in a sprain.

Recognizing the symptoms of a foot sprain is usually easy to identify.

  • Your mid-foot region will be inflamed which will result in a sprain.
  • There might or might not be bruising to the affected region.
  • With more extreme sprains, you might not be able to move your foot or place any force on it.
  • If the sprain happens to the toe region, the bottom of your big toe will be tender, inflamed, and probably bruised.

How Is A Foot Sprain Treated?

  • Rest is the best way to deal with mild foot sprains, especially by elevating the foot, applying ice to decrease inflammation, and a dressing.
  • OTC medication can assist with the pain.
  • Severe sprains, like the ones that sports people and dancers often get, might require complete rest till the pain and inflammation subsides.
  • A cast can be positioned on the foot for quicker treatment for those whose work depends on their feet.
  • Moderate physiotherapy methods and stretches can also be used once the foot starts to heal properly.
  • Sprains in the toe region might need a splint to keep the toe straight as it starts to heal.
  • It can take weeks and even months for a sprain to heal, which depends on how severe the damage was.

 Related Video On Foot Sprains

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