Sprained foot

Comprehensive support through physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic approaches promote the natural healing of the body holistically and effectively:

1. Restoration of the joint mechanics: If the foot becomes cramped, the function of the joints in the foot can be impaired. Limited mobility in the ankle can change how we walk. Therefore, we specifically assess and improve joint mobility.

2. Detection and resolution of voltage patterns: After a sprain, the gait pattern often changes, and surrounding muscles become tense. Physiotherapy comprehensively treats the myofascial system. Techniques such as Trigger point therapy and Dry needling can specifically improve muscle function by relieving tension at sensitive points.

3. Promotes lymph flow and tissue healing: Manual techniques and Lymphatic drainage can help to reduce the swelling.

4. Prevention of incorrect loading: After a sprain, the body often adapts unconsciously to avoid pain. Physiotherapy helps to recognize such altered gait patterns at an early stage and prevent incorrect loading.

Targeted regeneration and active support

In the first few days, cooling and high-altitude storage help. A longer period of rest is not necessary: Those who exercise early and in a controlled manner recover their function more quickly. Treatment through physical therapy measures and targeted exercises is crucial for regeneration: it ensures that any overload and movement restrictions are detected and corrected in time.

Individual support as required:

• Functional exercises: These activate and strengthen the injured areas in a targeted manner.

• Stability and balance exercises: These promote the restoration of joint resilience and create a stable basis for everyday activities.

• Individual guidance for everyday life, work and sport: The aim is to lead an active and pain-free life despite the injury.

Comprehensive physiotherapy treatment is aimed at pain relief and rapid recovery without long-term consequences. It strengthens ligaments and joints, prevents chronic instability and supports long-term recovery if the foot is sprained.

The mechanism of a distortion

A sprain occurs when a joint is strained beyond its normal range of motion, either by twisting or twisting. Bones are temporarily displaced from their normal position without dislocating completely. The joint capsule is overstretched and damaged; in more severe cases, the surrounding ligaments are also affected.

Risk factors for sprains

The most important known risk factor is a previous sprain: relapses are common and can lead to chronic instability. Fatigue and weak muscles can also play a role.

Symptoms and diagnosis of a sprain

Symptoms include severe pain, which increases with movement, and rapidly swelling. The extent of the symptoms depends on the severity of the sprain. Diagnosis begins in the doctor's surgery with an examination of the affected joint and mobility tests. Ultrasound examinations help to detect a torn ligament, while X-rays rule out bone fractures.

Stowage Foot: What the studies show

• Practicing instead of silencing: The European guideline recommends using tape or a splint combined with a supervised exercise program after a ligament injury. Inhibitors of inflammation should be used sparingly (Vuurberg 2018).
• Start early: An accelerated exercise program in the first week improved the function of the ankle joint (Bleakley 2010).
• Prevent relapses: Balance training at home reduced the risk of a recurrence of a sprain by 35% (Hupperets 2009). Recurrences are common and can lead to chronic instability (Gribble 2016).
• X-ray targeted: The Ottawa rules rule out a break with very high probability (Bachmann 2003).

For more information about treatment, surgery, and returning to sports, read the article. Ankle sprain.

Self-help: First aid after PECH and PEACE and LOVE

For the first few days, the well-known PECH rule remains a good guide. The more recent recommendation «PEACE and LOVE» adds to it: after a short period of protection, load early and in a controlled manner.

• Pause (P): Protect the foot during the first one to three days, without trying to make it completely still.

• Ice (E): Cold compresses or ice packs to reduce swelling.

• Compression (C): A tight bandage stabilizes and helps to reduce swelling.

• Elevate (H): Promotes blood and lymph flow, which reduces swelling.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen provide short-term relief of pain and swelling. However, the guideline recommends a cautious use – discuss the use with your doctor. After a ligament injury, the guideline recommends tape or a splint combined with an exercise program.

Return to sporting activities

After a mild sprain, sporting activity should only be resumed once the swelling has gone down and the joint can move again without pain. Severe cases can take several weeks to fully recover before a return to sport is advisable. We will be happy to help you with this. You can book an appointment here.

When should you see a doctor?

Medical advice should be sought immediately in the event of severe pain, pronounced swelling or restricted mobility. An accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment are crucial for successful healing and to prevent future problems, enabling an active lifestyle without restrictions.

If the foot is sprained in an accident and you are accident-insured through your employer, the accident insurance usually covers medically prescribed physiotherapy in full, without a deductible and without a co-payment. More about this on our website. Physiotherapy after an accident.

Sources

• Vuurberg G et al. Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline. Br J Sports Med 2018
• Bleakley CM et al. Effect of accelerated rehabilitation on function after ankle sprain: randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2010
• Hupperets MD et al. Effect of unsupervised home-based proprioceptive training on recurrences of ankle sprain. BMJ 2009
• Gribble PA et al. Evidence review for the 2016 International Ankle Consortium consensus statement. Br J Sports Med 2016
• Bachmann LM et al. Accuracy of the Ottawa ankle rules to exclude fractures of the ankle and mid-foot. BMJ 2003
• Dubois B, Esculier JF. Soft-tissue injuries simply need PEACE and LOVE. Br J Sports Med 2020