N E W S L E T T E R
Who among us hasn’t run through the park when suddenly we find an uneven patch in the grass and wind up on the ground, clutching a foot or an ankle? That all-too-familiar pain is often referred to as a sprain or strain, depending on what structure was injured (tendon or ligament). But what is the difference between the two conditions, and what can help it heal? Most importantly, how do you keep from re-spraining your foot or ankle on every uneven surface you run across? Types of Foot or Ankle Pain Foot and ankle pain can come from a variety of sources: Foot or Ankle Sprain - A sprain happens when the ligament, the tissue that connects one bone to another, is stretched or torn. A sprain can also happen when there is damage to a joint capsule, the part of the ankle or foot that adds stability to the joint. Symptoms of sprains include pain, inflammation, muscle spasm or sometimes an inability to move your foot or ankle. Foot or Ankle Strain - Wait. There’s a difference between a sprain or strain? Absolutely. While sprains happen when there is damage to a ligament, strains happen when there is damage to the muscle or the tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Strains usually FINDING QUICK & COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM YOUR FOOT OR ANKLE SPRAIN
happen when the muscle suddenly contracts while it is stretched, like when you run or jump. The symptoms of strains are similar to those associated with sprains, making themdifficult to tell apart without doing anMRI or ultrasound. Plantar Fasciitis - On the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes is a thick band of connective tissue called your plantar fascia. Usually, this tissue acts like a shock absorber when you walk, run or jump. If the plantar fascia has too much tension on it, small tears begin to appear causing inflammation. This inflammation sends sharp, stabbing pains through your heel with every step, especially first thing in the morning. This condition, called plantar fasciitis, is common inrunners,peoplewhoareobese oranyonewhospendsa lotoftimeontheir feet while wearing non-supportive shoes. Causes of Foot or Ankle Pain Whetheryoutrip,fall,stepinanunexpected hole, or twist your foot or ankle “wrong,” foot or ankle pain froma sprain or a strain is often the result of an injury or event. Plantar Fasciitis, on the other hand, tends to be an overuse injury, or a condition that happens gradually over time. However, foot or ankle pain is often the result of an underlying weakness in the muscles of the foot or leg, not just the result of an incident or accident. People who sprain or
strain the ligaments, tendons or muscles in their feet or ankles often find that they are continuously re-injuring that part of their body. Fortunately, this does not have to be the case. How Are Foot and Ankle Pain Treated? Foot and ankle pain treatment depends on where the injury happens and how long ago it occurred. Compression and Elevation - If it is not possible to walk more than two or three steps without pain or if the joint looks out of place, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. However, within a few hours of compression wrapping and elevation, most people notice that the swelling begins to subside and they can carry on withmost of their daily tasks with minimal discomfort. However, this initial treatment of a foot or ankle sprain does not help strengthen the area and prevent injury in the future. Exercises to Try Once the acute phase of the injury has passed (the point where there is pain), it is possible to prevent future injury by exercises targeted at strengthening the muscles that surround the ankle. Try drawing the alphabet with your toes to improve range of motion, perform calf raises every time you stand at the sink, or raise your toes slowly off of the ground when you are standing in line.
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