N E W S L E T T E R
BEST FOOT FORWARD GET TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SPRAIN OR STRAIN
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A SPRAIN AND STRAIN? A sprain happens when a 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, or the part of the ankle or foot that adds stability to the joint. Symptoms of sprains include pain, inflammation, muscle spasm, and sometimes an inability to move your foot or ankle. While sprains happen when there is damage to a ligament, strains happen when there is damage to a muscle or tendon (the tissue that connects muscle to bone). Strains usually 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 them difficult to tell apart without doing a physical therapy examination. If you are unsure about whether you sustained a sprain or strain, we can help you figure it out. HOW SHOULD MY SPRAIN OR STRAIN BE TREATED? Foot and ankle pain treatment depends on where the injury happens and how long ago it occurred. 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, because a fracture may be suspected. However, within a few hours of compression wrapping and elevation, most people notice that the swelling begins to subside, and they can carry on with most of their daily tasks with minimal discomfort.
Have you recently sustained an injury to your foot or ankle that has resulted in pain? If so, it is possible that you may be experiencing the effects of either a sprain or strain, depending on what structure was injured (tendon or ligament). While there are many factors that can lead to foot and ankle pain, sprains/strains are some common examples. Even if your pain subsides, dysfunction may still be present. If you have noticed limited mobility, previous or present pain, or other issues with your ankles or feet, The Fitness Lab can help. We can determine if the cause of your injury was indeed a sprain or strain, in addition to helping provide you with the necessary treatments for healing. We can also provide you with tips for avoiding re-injury in the future, so you don’t have to worry about avoiding certain activities. WHY IS MY FOOT OR ANKLE HURTING? Whether you trip, fall, or twist your foot or ankle “wrong,” foot and ankle pain that stems from a sprain or a strain is often the result of some sort of injury. However, it is also commonly due to an underlying weakness in the muscles of the foot or leg. In fact, any accumulation of factors can lead to insidious onset of pain, including loss of range of motion, altered movement patterns, balance issues, and overall affected mobility. People who sprain or strain 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 with the help of physical therapy.
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