Foot Strain

Injury to the muscles or tendons that surround the foot. Muscles, tendons and bones comprise units. These units stabilize the foot and allow its motion. A strain occurs at the weakest part of a unit. Strains are of 3 types:

• Mild (Grade I)-Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
• Moderate (Grade II)- Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
• Severe (Grade III)-Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Tendons and muscles of the foot.
• Foot bones.
• Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Causes

• Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon unit in the ankle or foot.
• Single violent injury or force applied to the foot or ankle.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain when moving or stretching the foot.
• Muscle spasm in the foot.
• Tenderness and swelling at the injury site.
• Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).
• Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers.
• Calcification of the muscle or its tendon (visible with X-ray).
• Inflammation of the tendon sheath.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

If a cast or splints are used,leave toes free and exercise them occasionally. If a cast or splints are not used:

• Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time.Fill a large styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
• After the first 24 hours, apply heat Instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Wrap the injured ankle with an elasticized bandage between treatments.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Foot exercises

These are exercises aimed at strengthening the small muscles of the foot.

They are best performed while sitting down with the foot flat on the floor. Repeatedly curl your toes and then straighten them and squeeze them firmly down flat on the floor. Do this for several minutes. Alternatively roll a pencil or scrunch a sheet of paper with your toes. You can also turn your foot on its outer border and curl your toes as far as possible towards your heel. Repeat these exercises every day.

Home Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Wear well-fitting athletic shoes appropriate for your sport.