Midfoot Sprain
Sprain is the stretching of the ligaments and rupture of tissues. This often occurs at the ankle, knee, or wrist because they are highly prone to twisting motions. A midfoot sprain is caused by the stretching of ligaments of the central area and arch of the foot.
Midfoot Sprain Causes
- Excessive spinning: Common to dancers, especially the ballerinas. Their routines involve various techniques of spinning that may lead to being out of balance and increases the risk of getting foot sprains.
- Falls can be associated to simple daily living activities such as climbing the stairs.
- Excessive twisting usually happens in sports-related activities such as snowboarding and windsurfing.
- Motorcycle accidents. These are high-impact collisions that may lead to more serious injuries other than midfoot sprain.
Grading of Midfoot Sprain
- Grade 1: Mild and minor injuries caused by sudden twisting of the feet that minimally stretches the ligament. This only causes minute and microscopic tissue tears.
- Grade 2: Stretching of ligaments are not that severe nor that mild either. Ligaments may be partially torn, but there are no dislocations.
- Grade 3: The most severe grade wherein the ligament may be completely torn. With so much damage on the tissues and ligament, the person may not be able to bear his own weight and huge difficulty in standing or walking.
Midfoot Sprain Home Remedies and Treatment
- Rest: Rest the joint for a day or two, depending on the severity of the midfoot sprain symptoms.
- Ice: Apply cold packs to minimize the swelling.
- Compress: Hot compress is applied after the first 24 hours to facilitate blood flow.
- Elevate: Slight elevation of the affected part will alleviate the pain and discomfort.