Treatment for Foot Strains and Sprains in Boston

Many individuals can suffer a sprain or strain of the foot during regular athletic activities, or even accidentally around their home. Whatever the accidental cause may be, there are several ways in which patients of board-certified orthopedic surgeon George Theodore, MD can effectively treat their foot injury.

If you’re struggling with a foot injury in the Boston area, contact Dr. Theodore’s office today. Give us a call at (617) 724-7009 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

Foot Strains Versus Foot Sprains

There is often a fair amount of confusion as individuals try to understand their diagnosis of a foot injury and how a strain compares to a sprain. The crucial difference between these categorizations is that a strain affects the muscle or tendon within the foot while a sprain affects the ligaments, which are fibrous bands of tissue that connect the bones of the foot to one another.

Ankle Sprains 

When speaking about these injuries and how they specifically pertain to the foot, an ankle sprain is the most common diagnosis given to individuals who have experienced some sort of trauma to the foot. In fact, it is estimated that 25,000 people a day suffer an ankle sprain. With such a high volume of these injuries, Dr. Theodore has repeatedly proven that they are highly equipped to properly stabilize the ankle and treat a patient’s ankle sprain. This treatment will depend on the severity of the patient’s sprain, and if the injury is significant then surgical intervention may be required.

Symptoms of a Foot Strain or Sprain

Both strains and sprains of the foot are likely to lead to swelling, pain around the joint, and limited range of motion. Individuals who have suffered a foot strain also often encounter muscle spasms throughout the foot, while those with a foot sprain are more likely to notice bruising of the affected area. Aside from muscle spasms and possible bruising, all other symptoms of these varying injuries remain the same, which is why it is important for patients to seek professional care if they experience painful problems with their feet.

Most minor issues of the foot can be resolved using the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method, which is usually recommended as the first step of treatment for individuals dealing with lesser injuries. If these remedies prove ineffective, or if symptoms become significantly worse, it is always best to contact a podiatrist for expert medical care.

Diagnosing Strains and Sprains

Dr. Theodore will always conduct a physical examination of a patient’s foot to assess the amount of damage inflicted to the area. Diagnostic imaging tests are also often ordered to provide a visual at the internal structures and tissues, which most commonly include an X-ray and/or an MRI.

When Surgery Is Needed

As previously mentioned, a vast majority of foot sprains as well as strains can be appropriately treated using non-invasive options that primarily pertain to resting the affected area. However, in severe cases where the muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the foot have ruptured or become torn, surgery should be considered.

Physical therapy and supportive braces are also often utilized for moderate foot injuries, and can also be quite helpful during a patient’s recovery journey after foot surgery. Be sure to consult Dr. Theodore prior to using any type of brace, as not every model will be appropriate for each patient and their unique injury. Dr. Theodore can also recommend particular providers that offer exceptional physical rehabilitation services specific to mending trauma inflicted upon the foot.