
Torn ligaments in foot can be quite painful and can cause a hindrance to your daily routine. This foot injury, though considered to be common among sportspersons, can also affect others…
One day on your routine morning jog, your ankle gets twisted at an awkward angle (Ouch!). This sends waves of severe pain through the entire leg. You somehow manage to successfully limp to your doctor, who diagnoses torn ligaments in the foot and advises you bed rest till it completely recovers. Now this is really distressing as bed rest means all your routine work suffers a setback. You have no other option but to lie back and wait for your foot to heal.
A bone and a joint are connected (or attached) to each other with the help of ligaments. These ligaments, also known as connective tissue, can be found in the body wherever there are joints, like the shoulders, elbows, knees and feet. The ligaments also help maintain the stability of the joints. These strands of collagen are flexible and can be stretched to a certain extent. But sometimes, over-stretching of these collagen fibers can result in a tear in the ligaments, which can be quite painful.
Ligament injuries are quite common and any individual can be affected by them. The main causative factors of torn ligaments in either of the foot are strenuous exercise, misplaced step like accidentally stepping into a ditch, twisting the ankle while walking briskly, etc. Other factors responsible for torn ligament in the ankle can be landing on the foot in a wrong way while jumping, bending of the joint in an unnatural angle, etc. Wearing high heels can also lead to a number of foot problems. This can lead to foot pain and immobility, till the injury heals completely.
Symptoms of Ruptured Ligaments in Foot
One of the initial symptoms of ankle sprain is experiencing excruciating pain at the site of the injury, which can radiate to other parts of the leg. A feeling of warmth, when touched, is also noticed in the region. Other symptoms exhibited if a person has suffered torn ligaments, are as follows.
- Swelling and tenderness can be seen in the foot. A bluish tinge or discoloration, like a bruise can also be noticed due to the rupture of blood vessels.
- Another symptom of this foot problem is a feeling of stiffness in the injured foot. The foot may lose its mobility and even a minuscule movement can trigger unbearable pain.
- Muscle cramps in the foot can also be felt. In case of a severe rupture in the ligaments of the foot, the joints may become loose.
Treatment for Torn Ligaments in the Foot
Since torn ligaments in the foot can be quite painful and a bothersome condition, treating it promptly will ensure quicker recovery. The doctor may conduct a series of tests to check for the severity of the tear. An X-ray may also be required to ensure that the foot hasn’t suffered any bone fracture. One of the most important things to be kept in mind for a faster healing is to rest the injured foot completely without any movement.
It is also advisable to keep the foot in an elevated position, (above the level of the heart) while lying down. Cold or warm compresses can be applied to reduce the inflammation and swelling. A tight bandage can also be wrapped around the ankle to protect it from further injury. The doctor may also prescribe pain killers. There are also a few stretching exercises which ensure speedy recovery and restore the health of the muscles. These exercises must be followed only under the guidance of a physical therapist.
One of the best ways to avoid podiatric injuries is to take care while exercising or doing any activity. Wearing proper footwear, which are comfortable and do not strain the muscles of the foot, is also helpful. Visit a physical therapist for pain management and to prevent further problems and complications. Take care!