Foot Sprains Specialist
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Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio
Marque A. Allen, DPM, FACFAS
Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgery located in Alamo Heights, TX & San Antonio, TX
If you run, play sports, or work a physically demanding job, you’re more likely to experience a foot sprain. If you suffer an injury and experience foot pain that lasts for more than a day or two, it’s important to seek treatment. At Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, double board-certified podiatrist Marque Allen, DPM, diagnoses and treats foot sprains in people of all ages. To make an appointment at one of the two locations in San Antonio, Texas and Alamo Heights, Texas, call the nearest office today or click the online booking feature.
Foot Sprains Q & A
What are foot sprains?
A foot sprain occurs when you over-extend or tear one (or multiple) ligaments in your feet. Ligaments are incredibly tough pieces of tissue that hold your bones together, ensuring they remain stable.
Considering that human feet contain more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons, foot sprains are one of the most common sports and activity-related injuries.
What are the types of foot sprains?
Foot sprains fall into three categories:
Grade I foot sprains
If you have a Grade I sprain, there are only small tears in your ligament.
Grade II foot sprains
If you have a Grade II sprain, there are large tears in your ligament, resulting in swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
Grade III foot sprains
If you have a Grade III sprain, your ligaments are torn, completely ruptured, or dislocated from the bone. Grade III sprains often require surgical intervention.
What are the symptoms of a foot sprain?
Symptoms of foot sprains include:
- Foot pain and tenderness
- Bruising or swelling
- Pain when standing or walking
- Inability to place weight on your affected foot
If you suffer a Grade III sprain, you might also notice a visual abnormality like a swollen bump.
How are foot sprains diagnosed?
To diagnose a foot sprain, Dr. Allen asks about your symptoms and physically examines your foot.
During the exam at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, he gently presses on the heel and ball of your foot to determine the source of your discomfort. He also orders a series of X-rays to assess the severity of your sprain.
How are foot sprains treated?
Treatment of a foot sprain depends on several factors, including the severity of the sprain, your medical history, and the injury’s effect on your daily life. Usually, Dr. Allen recommends conservative treatments like:
- Rest
- Ice
- Crutches
- Immobilization with a cast or splint
- Physical therapy
- Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injections
- Topical CBD treatments
- Over-the-counter pain medication
If your sprain doesn’t get better in a few weeks, or your symptoms get worse and result in ankle instability, Dr. Allen might recommend surgery. During surgery for a foot sprain, Dr. Allen repairs your damaged or ruptured ligaments. Recovery following surgery usually takes between six and eight months.
To explore the various treatment options for foot sprains, make an appointment at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio by calling the nearest office today or clicking the online booking feature.
