Foot & ankle specialists

There are many bones and ligaments in the foot. A ligament is a strong, flexible tissue that holds bones together.

When the foot lands awkwardly, some ligaments can be stretched and torn. This is called a sprain.

When the injury occurs in the midfoot, it is called a midfoot sprain.

More about your injury

Most foot sprains happen from sports or activities in which your body twists and turns, but your feet stay in place. Some of these sports include football, snowboarding, and dance.

There are three levels of foot sprains.

• Grade I, minor. You have small tears in your ligaments.
• Grade II, moderate. You have large tears in your ligaments.
• Grade III, serious. The ligaments have been torn or completely separated from the bone.
  what to expect

Symptoms of a foot sprain include:

• Pain and tenderness near the arch of the foot. This can be felt on the bottom, top, or sides of the foot.
• Bruising and swelling of the foot.
• Pain when walking or during activity.
• Not being able to put weight on the foot. This usually happens with more serious injuries.

Your health care provider may take a picture of your foot, called an x-ray, to see how bad the injury is.

If it is painful to put weight on your foot, your provider may order a splint or crutches to use while your foot heals.

Most mild to moderate injuries heal within 2 to 4 weeks. More serious injuries, such as those that require a cast or splint, will take longer to heal, up to 6 to 8 weeks. More serious injuries will require surgery to reduce the bone and allow the ligaments to heal. The healing process can take 6 to 8 months.