Can a sprained foot get worse?

Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and pain in the affected foot, especially with weight-bearing. If symptoms do not resolve quickly or seem to get worse instead of better, a medical provider should be seen to make sure no fracture is involved.

Does a sprained foot get worse before it gets better?

the pain and swelling seem to get worse rather than better over the first 3-4 days (the bruising often gets worse for a week or more before it starts to fade)

How long does it take to heal a sprained foot?

After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better. Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, as there's a risk of further damage. Severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal.

Can walking on a sprained foot make it worse?

Yes. That's the very short answer. According to the National Association of Athletic Trainers, ankle injuries, including sprains, are very often undertreated. Ignoring treatment, including excessive movement of the ankle through unnecessary walking, leads to a greater risk of worsening the injury.

When should I worry about a sprained foot?

People with a more severe ankle sprain — characterized by extreme bruising or swelling and an inability to bear weight on the foot without significant pain, or when there doesn't seem to be any improvement over the first several days after the injury — should seek medical attention, Drs. SooHoo and Williams say.

Mayo Clinic Minute: Ankle sprains 101

How do I know if my foot injury is serious?

How do I know if I tore a ligament in my foot?

Why is my sprained foot not healing?

"An ankle sprain that lingers beyond 3 months is often an injury to a bone, tendon or ligament that is unlikely to heal without intervention," he says. "And the longer an ankle injury persists without proper treatment, the greater the likelihood that permanent disability will result."

Should a sprained foot be wrapped?

Ice is best, especially for the first 48 hours after injury. Compression -- Wrapping a stretchable elastic bandage around your foot and ankle can help minimize swelling after injury. If you're going to wrap your ankle, it is best to put the bandage on first thing in the morning, and then take it off at bedtime.

How do I know if my foot is sprained or fractured?

In general, a broken foot tends to be more painful than a sprained foot, and the pain lasts longer. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are also more severe if your foot is broken. Another way to tell the difference between a broken foot and sprained foot is the sound the body makes when the injury occurs.

What happens if a sprain is left untreated?

If they're left untreated, sprains will often cause the ankle to become unstable, which can lead to chronic pain, swelling, instability and, ultimately, arthritis. Don't delay treatment. Sprains should be immobilized quickly, with the ankle ligaments in a stable position.

What does a torn tendon in foot feel like?

A sudden, severe pain during activity or injury. Hearing and/or feeling a popping or snapping sound at the time of injury. Feeling that you've been struck in the back of the calf. Swelling and bruising on the inside of your heel or the back of the leg below the calf.

Can you walk on a fractured foot?

Typically you can walk on a broken foot, however, doing so will aggravate the situation. It's best to give your foot a rest, and keep weight off it, so that bones can take the time they need to heal. It is always best to get an injury like a fracture checked out to ensure proper treatment.

How can you tell if a sprain is getting worse?

If the sprain is more serious, you may feel a tearing sensation when the ankle is injured and hear a pop or snap. You may also notice: Bruising. Inability to move the joint (usually due to swelling)

Do sprains get worse over time?

Injuries to soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons can come on suddenly or may get worse gradually.

What is a Grade 3 foot sprain?

Grade 3: This is a full tear of the ankle ligament. You may have heard a popping sound when it happened. This level of sprain causes severe pain, swelling and bruising. Because the ligament is no longer able to do its job, your ankle will feel unstable and will be unable to support any of your weight.

How should I sleep with a sprained foot?

Elevating a sprained ankle reduces the accumulation of fluid in the joint. This can ease swelling, which may also help reduce pain. Try sleeping with the foot and ankle propped up on pillows at a level higher than the heart. When sitting or resting, use pillows or a footrest to keep the foot and ankle elevated.

How long should a sprained foot be swollen?

Symptoms. The amount of pain and swelling you experience will depend on the amount of stretching and tearing of the ligament. Instability occurs when there has been complete tearing of the ligament or a complete dislocation of the ankle joint. Swelling and pain typically last 2-3 days.

Will a sprained foot heal on its own?

Many sprains will heal with at-home care, but it's important to know what you need to do. Dr. Glover and our team often recommend resting and staying off the ankle for several days. We may also tell you to apply ice throughout the day to reduce inflammation and pain.

Can a sprain heal wrong?

Instability of the ankle joint: Sometimes an ankle sprain can heal incorrectly, leaving your ligaments permanently stretched. This will, in turn, cause your ankle to be weak and instable, frequently resulting in abnormal movement.

Does a sprained foot throb?

Your nerves are more sensitive after a sprain. The joint hurts and may throb. It's often worse when you press on it, move your foot in certain ways, walk, or stand.

How long can a severe sprain take to heal?

It may take anywhere from two weeks to heal a minor sprain and anywhere from six to 12 weeks to heal a severe sprain.

Can you walk with a torn ligament in your foot?

The quick answer is yes, typically you can walk with a torn ligament or tendon in the foot. Walking may be painful but you can typically still walk.

How long does a Grade 3 sprain take to heal?

Third degree or grade 3 ankle sprain

A third degree sprain is a complete tear, which Sampsell says will take much longer to heal. This sprain will require some patience since you can expect anywhere from 3 to 6 months for recovery.

Can you sprain the top of your foot?

Still, other parts of the foot can sustain a sprain, including the top of the foot. Spraining the top of the foot is much rarer than ankle sprains, but it can cause serious damage without proper medical treatment. This type of sprain is called a Lisfranc, or midfoot, injury.