Get 10% OFF*, Use Code: HPDIS10
Day
:
:
Online since 2002 | 866-316-0162
Get 10% OFF*, Use Code: HPDIS10
Foot injuries are common and can happen due to sports, falls, or medical conditions. More often than not, injuries are either given very little attention or left to heal on their own. However, as common as this approach is, it is not a healthy practice to leave an injured foot to heal on its own.
To make sure your feet and ankles are completely healthy, it is essential to pay heed to the treatment of foot injuries, be it a foot sprain, a pinched nerve in the ankle, or even a fracture.
Sprained or broken foot symptoms are similar and demand resting to allow the body to heal. But, the medical treatment for both is very distinctive. Thus, it is crucial to know where the difference lies and how to tell if your foot is sprained or broken.
Unless one knows the difference between a sprain and a fracture, it is impossible to give the injury the attention it requires to recover. Needlessly, a sprained or broken foot hurts equally bad, but the location and type of the pain differ. When you break a bone, it is called a broken foot. When a ligament is torn, it is called a foot sprain.
A foot sprain or pulled muscle in the foot is a soft tissue injury and is categorized into three degrees -
A broken foot is a rather complicated bone injury that may be classified into six different types -
Varied types of foot sprains have diverse symptoms depending on the severity of the foot sprain. However, the most commonly visible sprained foot symptoms include:
The symptoms of a fractured foot depend on the gravity of the broken foot injury. However, the telltale broken foot symptoms are:
A foot sprain is diagnosed by taking x-rays of the injured foot. It is done to determine the severity of the injury and if it's a sprained foot or fracture. As soon as the injury type is confirmed, the treatment is started. It takes two to six weeks for a sprained foot to heal completely.
During recovery, the doctor is most likely to recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribe the RICE method to deal with the discomfort.
Similarly, X-rays are taken to confirm the fracture, which helps determine the extent of the injury and the type of broken foot treatment. Subsequently, a CT scan is often needed to detect stress or hairline fracture. It takes eight or more weeks for a broken foot to recover and for the person to get back to daily activities.
The recovery time for a fractured foot varies on a case-to-case basis. It depends on the injury and the person's medical history. A person dealing with underlying health issues such as anemia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, or vitamin D deficiency may have a slow recovery.
The treatment for sprained ankles or feet aims to reduce pain and swelling, promote recovery of sprained ligaments in the foot, and restore ankle and foot function. Orthopedic surgeons and physicians prescribe physical medicine and rehabilitation therapies for severe musculoskeletal injuries.
A sprain is often treated with the RICE method to help relieve discomfort. RICE stands for -
Polar Ice Wrap for Ankle and Foot Sprain is a soft fleece wrap with ice packs for cold-calming therapy. This ankle Ice Pack is intended to provide compression and the benefits of cryotherapy for soft tissue injuries to the foot and ankle. Sealed Ice Polar Ice delivers effective cryotherapy and compression for mild tissue trauma. This brace for ankle sprain also offers efficient pain relief from bruises, sprains, or injuries and is often indicated to be used following physical activity, post-surgically, and during rehabilitation.
Armor1 Ankle Roll Guard cushions the ankle from an inversion or roll, preventing foot sprain. It wraps securely around the outside of any shoe type allowing it to retain full ankle mobility & comfort. It provides ankle stability, balance, and protection if the user has weak ankles, tends to roll them frequently, or has a neuromuscular disorder. An ankle roll guard is suitable in physical therapy, podiatry, orthotics, and various sports such as basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, rugby, tennis, and running.
Figure-8 Brace is designed for improved fit and durability and indicated for strains, sprains, swelling, arthritis, and other ankle injuries. It is built with two VELCRO brand side closures with a cut-out heel. Rolyan Figure-8 Brace with Elastic Strap allows variable compression and support.
A broken foot is treated with the use of a walking boot, a cast for broken foot, a wheelchair, or surgery. Doctors suggest not performing strenuous physical activities and keeping the foot immobilized. Besides icing, bracing, and rest, a broken foot demands extensive medical attention too. It is advised not to put too much pressure on the broken bone and use a post-op shoe for better recovery.
Ovation Medical Gen 2 Standard Pneumatic CAM Walker Boot features a low-profile design and minimizes the shock absorption to the fractured foot by fifty percent by alleviating inconsistencies. This Gen 2 Standard Pneumatic Walker offers an ergonomic pump and single push-button to release air. The unparalleled stability of these CAM walkers hinders the extremity from sliding while elevated, making it easier to comply with your doctors' recommendations.
Medline Standard Walking Boot for Broken Foot features a low-profile design to maintain a normal walking gait and balance. Subsequently, the wide distance between the uprights accommodates extra dressings and swelling. One-leg straps and two-foot straps are adjustable for desired size and compression.
DeRoyal's Vinyl Cast Boot is available in an open-toe design with a hook and loop closure for easy application. DeRoyal Open Toe Vinyl Broken Foot Cast, constructed of durable vinyl material, has a rocker bottom that promotes a rolling gait pattern. The closed-heel design prevents foot migration.
Unless the fracture incurred is one where the bone is broken through the skin, it is difficult to identify the fracture type. Therefore, consulting a professional is the best way to find out whether you have a sprained foot or broken foot and what treatment is required to heal your injury.
Disclaimer: All content found on our website, including images, videos, infographics, and text were created solely for informational purposes. Our reviewed content should never be used for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Content shared on our websites is not meant to be used as a substitute for advice from a certified medical professional. Reliance on the information provided on our website as a basis for patient treatment is solely at your own risk. We urge all our customers to always consult a physician or a certified medical professional before trying or using a new medical product.
Shweta Chaubey, has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. An advocate-turned-writer, her desire to create meaningful and positive content has brought her to HPFY and what better than writing ...
Enteral Feeding: The What, When, and How
When traditional oral intake is not feasible, enteral feeding comes into play. It supports nutritional needs of individuals recovering from an injury or surgery. Dive into this informative article and learn what, when, why, and how of enteral feeding and ensure optimal patient care.
Using the Carpal Solution Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support
Looking for a non-invasive option to manage carpal tunnel symptoms? Experience relief from constant tingling and pain with this Carpal Solution Wrist Support. Read this article to know about the unique features and benefits of this wrist support brace designed to deal with CTS and find why it is one of the most reliable wrist braces available on the market.
Top 5 Best Reviewed Nebulizers of 2023
Need an effective and affordable nebulizer? Look no further, in this article we offer 5 of our best reviewed nebulizers that are loved by our customers. Click to read more and find the perfect nebulizer for all your respiratory needs.
10 Best Overnight Adult Diapers
Worried about nighttime leaks? Say goodbye to leakage with our ten best overnight adult diapers and wake up refreshed and dry.
Five Best Cervical Traction Devices of 2023
Neck pain can wreak havoc on your otherwise healthy life. Traction device improves your cervical health and overall well-being. Read more to find our best cervical traction devices designed to curb the stiffness and discomfort of cervical muscles.
