Foot sprains are a condition that can be experienced by both adults and children. In this case, symptoms such as swelling in the ankle, increased temperature, limitation of movement and pain occur. Commonly investigated causes of foot sprains include stretching and tearing of the soft tissues and ligaments in the ankle. In other words, in situations such as making a sudden movement or lifting something heavy, the ankle can be sprained. A person experiencing the symptoms of ankle sprain should definitely apply to the emergency outpatient clinic for diagnosis and treatment, and then to an orthopedic specialist.
What is an ankle sprain and why does it happen?
In the human body, the ankle is located in the area that connects the foot with the lower leg. The ligaments in the ankle joint and the soft tissues around the joint can be stretched and torn in some cases. The orthopedic discomfort experienced in this situation is also called ankle sprain or injury. “What causes a sprained foot?” The question can also be answered for reasons commonly seen in this context. Generally, an ankle sprain is associated with making a sudden movement or lifting a heavy load. In addition, a foot sprain can occur in situations such as:
- Exercises performed on an uneven surface
- Falls with flexion of the ankle
- The person’s movement by loading his/her foot after turning around or jumping
- Stepping on a person’s foot by a different individual during any sporting activity or working in a business environment
Ankle sprains may occur in the situations listed above. However, the symptoms of toe sprains are also frequently investigated. There are also different common symptoms of a sprain, which is usually characterized by severe pain. In this context, the symptoms of foot injury can be stated as follows;
- Limitation of movement in the ankle
- redness
- temperature rise
- swelling around the joint
- bruising
- Loose feeling in the ankle
- Pain, especially when standing
- Discoloration of the skin tissue on the ankle and lower leg
How is ankle sprain treated?
If a foot sprain occurs due to a sudden movement or fall in any environment, emergency intervention may be required. For this reason, if many people experience this problem, “My ankle is sprained, swollen, what should I do?” raises the question. Anyone who notices that their ankle is sprained with severe pain and swelling should definitely apply to the hospital. Because “What happens with a sprained foot?” The answers to the question show that this situation should be taken seriously. Although ankle sprain can occur many times, in some cases it can be confused with a crack or fracture. This detail reveals the importance of applying to the hospital for people with symptoms of foot sprains.
Various tests are applied to a person who applies to the nearest hospital’s emergency department or orthopedic doctor when his/her foot is sprained. The patient first undergoes a physical examination by the doctor. Then, depending on the severity of the injury, tests such as foot X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging may be requested from the patient. According to the results of these tests, the person is diagnosed clearly and the treatment plan of the foot sprain is created.
In terms of medical treatment planned according to the severity of a sprain a person experiences, “What is good for a foot sprain?” The answers to the question can be presented as follows:
- Rest: It is extremely important for the person to rest until the desired result is achieved in the treatment of foot sprains.
- Bandage: Using bandages as recommended by the doctor is effective in supporting the stability of the ankle.
- Painkillers: With various painkillers prescribed by the specialist doctor, the feeling of pain experienced during the treatment of foot sprains can be reduced.
- Plaster: If the severity of the foot sprain is high, the use of plaster may be required by the orthopedist in some cases.
- Crutches: In cases of severe ankle sprains, it is possible to use crutches to support the mobility of the person.
- Exercise: In general, exercise has an important place in the improvement of bone-related physiological disorders. Therefore, while treating foot sprains, the exercises recommended by the specialist doctor should be done regularly.
- Surgical intervention: In some cases of foot sprains, the healing of the ligaments may not reach the desired level. Therefore, if the damage to the ankle of the person is excessive, surgical intervention can be applied in the treatment of foot sprain, although it is rare.
What is good for ankle swelling?
It is often explored how ankle sprains, which are characterized by particularly severe pain and swelling, can be treated at home. Therefore, “What is good for a sprained foot, what can be done at home?” The question can be answered with the applications suggested by the experts. However, it should not be forgotten that when a foot sprain is experienced, the specialist should be consulted first and the practices recommended by the doctor in the treatment plan should be performed at home. In addition to this detail, the methods that can be applied at home in order to alleviate the swelling and pain caused by foot sprain can be specified as follows:
- When a sprain is experienced, a cold compress with an ice pack can be applied to the ankle until you go to the hospital.
- If recommended by the specialist, it is appropriate to rub the ankle with olive oil to support the healing process of the ankle and to regulate the blood flow.
- If there is no visible swelling in the ankle when the sprain is experienced, it may be appropriate to wrap the relevant area with a bandage while going to the hospital.
Is hot water good for a sprained foot?
In case of injury to the bones or joints in any part of the body, applying ice to the relevant area is one of the most common first interventions. However, nowadays, it is seen that the use of hot water is correct in the treatment of foot sprains in some sources. However, no clear information has been provided by experts about the use of hot water for foot injury. Therefore, a person with a sprained foot must follow the steps of the treatment process specially planned for him after seeing an orthopedic specialist. Otherwise, problems such as exacerbation of the symptoms of the sprain or slowing of the healing process of the ankle may result.