Can you pull a muscle in your foot. What are the main symptoms of a pulled foot muscle. How long does it take to recover from a pulled foot muscle. When should you see a doctor for a pulled muscle in your foot. What are the most effective treatments for a pulled foot muscle.

Understanding Pulled Muscles in the Foot

A pulled muscle, also known as a muscle strain, occurs when a muscle is torn or overstretched. While this injury can affect any muscle in the body, it’s particularly common in the feet, lower back, and neck. The foot contains numerous tendons, all of which can become strained through overuse or improper use.

Pulled muscles in the foot can cause significant pain and difficulty walking. While moderate strains can often be treated at home with simple remedies, more severe cases may require professional medical attention.

What exactly is a pulled muscle?

A pulled muscle is a type of soft tissue injury that occurs when muscle fibers are stretched beyond their limits or torn. This can happen suddenly (acute strain) or develop over time due to repetitive stress (chronic strain). In the foot, this injury often affects the muscles and tendons responsible for foot movement and stability.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Pulled Foot Muscle

Identifying a pulled muscle in your foot is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. The symptoms typically appear immediately after the injury occurs and can vary in severity depending on the extent of the damage.

What are the main symptoms of a pulled foot muscle?

• Limited range of motion
• Pain, especially when moving the affected area
• Swelling or redness around the injured site
• Muscle spasms or cramping
• Soreness or tenderness to the touch
• Muscle weakness
• Tightness or discomfort when walking

In some cases, you may still be able to walk despite the pain, particularly with mild strains. Moderate strains often resolve within a week, but severe cases can significantly limit your mobility and may take several months to heal completely.

Common Causes of Pulled Muscles in the Foot

Understanding the causes of pulled foot muscles can help you prevent future injuries. These strains can occur due to various factors, ranging from sudden traumatic events to gradual overuse.

What are the primary causes of pulled foot muscles?

• Sudden trauma or injury
• Muscle fatigue
• Inadequate warm-up before exercise
• Poor muscle flexibility
• Overuse or repetitive stress
• Improper footwear
• Uneven surfaces or sudden changes in terrain

Contrary to popular belief, pulled foot muscles aren’t exclusive to athletes or those engaging in rigorous exercise. Even everyday activities like walking can lead to a strain, especially under certain conditions.

Which activities commonly lead to pulled foot muscles?

1. Jumping
2. Losing your footing or slipping
3. Lifting heavy weights
4. Running, especially on uneven surfaces
5. Lifting objects while in an awkward position

Interestingly, pulled muscles are more common during colder months. This is because muscles tend to be stiffer in lower temperatures, making them more susceptible to injury. Therefore, it’s crucial to engage in thorough warm-up exercises, especially during winter, to reduce the risk of muscle strains.

When to Seek Medical Attention for a Pulled Foot Muscle

While many pulled foot muscles can be treated at home, some cases require professional medical attention. Knowing when to see a doctor is crucial for proper healing and preventing further complications.

In which situations should you consult a doctor for a pulled foot muscle?

• If there’s bleeding from the injury site
• When pain persists for more than a week
• If you experience numbness in the injured area
• When your range of motion is severely limited
• If you’re unable to move your leg at all

When you visit a foot specialist, they will typically perform a physical examination and may order diagnostic tests such as MRI scans or X-rays to determine the severity of your injury. These tests help the doctor develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.

Treatment Options for Pulled Foot Muscles

The treatment for a pulled foot muscle depends on the severity of the injury. In many cases, home remedies and self-care measures can effectively promote healing. However, more severe strains may require medical intervention.

What are the most effective treatments for a pulled foot muscle?

1. RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers
3. Anti-inflammatory medications
4. Physical therapy
5. Gentle stretching exercises
6. Proper footwear and support
7. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary

The RICE method is particularly effective in the initial stages of injury. Resting the affected foot, applying ice to reduce swelling, using compression bandages for support, and elevating the foot can significantly aid in the healing process.

For moderate to severe strains, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help restore movement and strength to the injured muscle. In rare cases where there’s a complete muscle tear, surgical intervention might be necessary to repair the damage.

Recovery Time and Prognosis for Pulled Foot Muscles

The recovery period for a pulled foot muscle can vary significantly depending on the severity of the injury and the individual’s overall health. Understanding the typical recovery timeline can help set realistic expectations and ensure proper healing.

How long does it typically take to recover from a pulled foot muscle?

• Mild strains: 1-2 weeks
• Moderate strains: 3-6 weeks
• Severe strains: Several months

For moderate foot or ankle strains, many individuals can return to their normal activities within a month with proper home care and following medical advice. However, more severe strains may require a longer recovery period, sometimes extending to several months.

It’s important to note that with appropriate treatment, most people recover completely from pulled foot muscles. However, rushing the recovery process or returning to strenuous activities too soon can lead to re-injury and prolong the healing time.

What factors can influence recovery time?

• Severity of the initial injury
• Age and overall health of the individual
• Adherence to treatment plan and rest recommendations
• Proper nutrition and hydration
• Engaging in appropriate rehabilitation exercises

To improve recovery time and prevent future injuries, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Avoid participating in physical activities until your muscles have healed sufficiently, and gradually reintroduce exercise under professional guidance.

Preventing Pulled Foot Muscles: Tips and Strategies

While not all pulled foot muscles can be prevented, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce your risk of injury. Implementing these preventive measures can help keep your feet healthy and reduce the likelihood of experiencing a muscle strain.

How can you prevent pulled foot muscles?

1. Warm up properly before exercise or physical activity
2. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts
3. Wear appropriate footwear that provides adequate support
4. Maintain good flexibility through regular stretching
5. Strengthen the muscles in your feet and ankles
6. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion
7. Stay hydrated to maintain muscle elasticity
8. Use proper form and technique during physical activities

Incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a pulled foot muscle. Remember that prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to musculoskeletal injuries.

Which exercises can help strengthen foot muscles?

• Toe curls: Curl your toes to pick up small objects like marbles
• Ankle rotations: Rotate your ankles in circular motions
• Heel raises: Stand on your toes, then lower back down
• Foot rolls: Roll your foot over a tennis ball or frozen water bottle
• Towel scrunches: Use your toes to scrunch up a towel on the floor

Regularly performing these exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your feet, improving their resilience and reducing the risk of strains. However, if you have any existing foot conditions or concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen.

When to Return to Normal Activities After a Pulled Foot Muscle

Knowing when it’s safe to resume your normal activities after a pulled foot muscle is crucial for a full recovery and preventing re-injury. The timeline for returning to regular activities can vary depending on the severity of the strain and your individual healing progress.

How do you know when it’s safe to resume normal activities?

• Pain and swelling have significantly decreased or disappeared
• You can bear weight on the affected foot without discomfort
• Your range of motion has returned to normal or near-normal levels
• You’ve regained strength in the injured muscle
• Your healthcare provider has given you clearance

It’s important to return to activities gradually, starting with low-impact exercises and slowly increasing intensity. This approach allows you to gauge your foot’s readiness and prevents overexertion that could lead to re-injury.

What steps should you take when returning to physical activities?

1. Start with gentle stretching exercises
2. Progress to low-impact activities like swimming or cycling
3. Gradually introduce weight-bearing exercises
4. Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and stop if necessary
5. Continue with strengthening exercises for your foot and ankle
6. Use proper footwear and support during activities
7. Maintain good form and technique to prevent re-injury

Remember, every individual’s recovery is unique. Some people may be able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks, while others might need several months. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and listen to your body throughout the recovery process.

By taking a cautious and gradual approach to resuming activities, you can ensure a full recovery from your pulled foot muscle and minimize the risk of future injuries. If you experience any setbacks or concerns during this process, don’t hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance.

Can You Pull A Muscle In Your Foot?

A pulled muscle, also known as a muscle strain, is a result of a torn or overstretched muscle. It is often caused by overuse, fatigue, or improper use of muscles. You can pull any muscle in your body but this is the most common in feet, lower back, and neck.

You have many different tendons in your feet, all of which, with over-use can become pulled.

Pulled muscles can cause pain and make it difficult to walk. However, moderate strains can be treated at home with medications and ice. More serious strains require special treatment.

The main symptoms of pulled foot muscles

You will immediately feel the pulled muscle. The main symptoms are:

• limited movement
• pain
• swelling or redness
• spasms in muscles
• soreness or tenderness
• weakness
• tightness when walking

In some cases, a pulled muscle may feel painful but still flexible and you will be able to walk straight away. The symptoms of moderate muscle strains go away within a week.  In severe cases, your range of movement will be very limited. These may take several months to heal.

The main causes of pulled muscles in your feet

An acute muscle strain happens when your muscle tears unexpectedly. This can occur from trauma, injuries, and other reasons such as:

• fatigue
• lack of warm-up before the exercise
• poor muscle flexibility
• over-use

Some people think that pulled foot muscles can affect only professional athletes and rigorous exercises. However, a pulled muscle can happen even from walking. It often happens when you:

• jump
• lose your footing
• lift heavy weights
• run
• lift something while in an uncomfortable position

A pulled muscle is more common during winter. This happens because muscles are much stiffer in lower temperatures. Therefore, it is important to have a better warm up before the exercise to prevent muscle strains.

When do you need a doctor?

For moderate strains, it should be enough to stay at home and use ice. However, you should visit a doctor if you experience anything from the following:

• The blood is coming from your injury
• You feel pain for longer than a week
• The injured spot is numb
• Your range of movement is very limited
• You can’t move legs even a little bit

When you visit a foot doctor, you will go through a physical examination and different tests such as MRI scans and X-rays which help your foot specialist determine the severity of the injury.

The common treatments are pain relievers to reduce pain, anti-inflammatory medicine, as well as physical therapy that help restore movement. In the most serious cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the problem.

Recovery always depends on your injury. For a moderate foot or ankle strain, you may be able to do everything you did before within a month with simple home care. Otherwise, recovery can take months.

However, with proper treatment, people always recover completely. You can improve recovery time by trying to avoid getting a pulled muscle again. Follow the instructions of a specialist and don’t participate in physical activity until your muscles are healed.

Here’s what to do now

If you think you pulled a muscle in your foot or ankle and it is affecting the way you walk, give us a call today to have it professionally examined to make sure it is not more severe.  Let us help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.  Call 301-937-5666 or click here to request your appointment online.

Sprains and strains – NHS

Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home without seeing a GP.

Check if you have a sprain or strain

It’s likely to be a sprain or strain if:

• you have pain, tenderness or weakness – often around your ankle, foot, wrist, thumb, knee, leg or back
• the injured area is swollen or bruised
• you cannot put weight on the injury or use it normally
• you have muscle spasms or cramping – where your muscles painfully tighten on their own

Is it a sprain or a strain?

A table explaining the differences between strains and sprains.

Sprains	Strains
Torn or twisted ligament (tissue that connects the joints)	Overstretched or torn muscle (also known as a pulled muscle)
Most common in: wrists, ankles, thumbs, knees	Most common in: knees, feet, legs, back

How to treat sprains and strains yourself

For the first couple of days, follow the 4 steps known as RICE therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury:

1. Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.
2. Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
3. Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
4. Elevate – keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.

To help prevent swelling, try to avoid heat (such as hot baths and heat packs), alcohol and massages for the first couple of days.

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint or muscle does not become stiff.

A pharmacist can help with sprains and strains

Speak to a pharmacist about the best treatment for you. They might suggest tablets, or a cream or gel you rub on the skin.

At first, try painkillers like paracetamol to ease the pain and ibuprofen gel, mousse or spray to bring down swelling.

If needed, you can take ibuprofen tablets, capsules or syrup that you swallow.

How long it takes for a sprain or strain to heal

After 2 weeks, most sprains and strains will feel better.

Avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, as there’s a risk of further damage.

Severe sprains and strains can take months to get back to normal.

You cannot always prevent sprains and strains

Sprains and strains happen when you overstretch or twist a muscle.

Not warming up before exercising, tired muscles and playing sport are common causes.

Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:

• the injury is not feeling any better after treating it yourself
• the pain or swelling is getting worse
• you also have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery – this could be an infection

111 will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Other ways to get help

Go to an urgent treatment centre

Urgent treatment centres are places you can go if you need to see someone now.

They’re also called walk-in centres or minor injuries units.

You may be seen quicker than you would at A&E.

Find an urgent treatment centre

Treatment at a minor injuries unit

You may be given self-care advice or prescribed a stronger painkiller.

If you need an X-ray, it might be possible to have one at the unit, or you may be referred to hospital.

Physiotherapy for sprains and strains

If you have a sprain or strain that’s taking longer than usual to get better, a GP may be able to refer you to a physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy from the NHS might not be available everywhere and waiting times can be long. You can also get it privately.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:

• you heard a crack when you had your injury
• the injured body part has changed shape or pointing at an odd angle
• the injury is numb, discoloured or cold to touch

You may have broken a bone and will need an X-ray.

Page last reviewed: 10 February 2021
Next review due: 10 February 2024

Top of Foot: Treatment Tips for Fracture, Sprain or Strain

Acute injuries such as fractures, strains and top of the foot sprains can occur in people of all ages. Anyone can experience a twist in the ankle, which can cause intermittent sharp pain on the top of the foot. Let’s look at how to identify each of these injuries, as well as treatment tips and options.

How Do You Determine Whether You Have a Fracture, Sprain or Strain?

The type of injury is determined by the kind of tissue that’s affected. A fracture is a break in a hard bone. But the difference between a sprain and strain isn’t always easy to detect. A sprain occurs when the ligament that attaches bones together is injured, while a strain is a tear in a tendon or muscle.

How Do You Know if You Have a Top of Foot Sprain or Strain?

Here are a few signs that you may have a strain, a sprain or top of foot injury:

• You feel pain, weakness or tenderness around your foot or ankle
• The injured part of your foot is bruised or swollen
• You feel intense pain or numbness when you try to put weight on the affected foot
• You feel cramps or your muscles tighten up on their own

How to Treat Strains and Sprains

Before you visit your doctor to examine the injury, use the proven RICE therapy as top of foot pain treatment to reduce swelling:

1. Rest:Don’t put any weight on your injured foot and stop all activities or exercise routines. If you’re wondering, “Can I walk on a sprained foot?”, the answer is no! Refrain from walking on your foot to aid healing.
2. Ice:Apply ice to your injury for about 20 minutes every three hours. You can use an ice pack or wrap a bag of frozen vegetables in a small towel and place it on your foot.
3. Compression:Support your foot with a bandage. This will also reduce swelling.
4. Elevate:Raise your foot on a pillow to reduce the flow of fluid to the affected area.

You should also avoid taking hot baths or drinking alcoholic beverages for the first two days after the injury. You may use over-the-counter medication to reduce pain.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Doctor for a Sprain, Strain or Fracture?

For a severe injury, you need to treat it as an emergency and see your doctor immediately. For less severe cases with minimal swelling and pain, you should apply RICE first for a couple of days and then consult your physician. If you have a sports injury, you should consult your doctor for treatment right away.

What Type of Physical Therapy Is Needed for a Sprain or Strain?

Not all sprains or strains require physical therapy. In most cases, exercises and basic joint movements can improve the speed of healing. Therapy is particularly useful when you experience weakness or stiffness at the area of the injury. Therapy also helps increase muscle strength and range of motion at the joint.

What’s the Recovery Time for a Sprain or Strain?

In most cases, fractures, sprains and strains will heal within 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity and how well you follow the instructions of your doctor and therapist. Joint injuries usually take about three months to heal, while those outside the joint may heal within six weeks.

Treating a Strained or Sprained Top of the Foot

If you have a sprain, strain or intense pain in your foot, then give us a call now. You can speak to one of our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons who will answer all your questions in a way that you can easily understand. We’re waiting to receive you and treat you like a member of our family.

Treatment and Symptoms of A Torn Ligament In Your Foot

Treatment and Symptoms of A Torn Ligament In Your Foot | Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

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We generally don’t stop to consider the structure of our feet until we begin experiencing pain when walking or other signs of a serious foot injury. While the bones in the foot can fracture and the foot’s muscles can experience strains, one of the more common and potentially serious foot injuries are torn ligaments. Ligaments are the strong and flexible tissues that hold the bones throughout your body together; when a ligament tears, the resulting injury is often referred to as a sprain. Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment by an orthopedic surgeon may be required to treat torn ligaments in the foot.

Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Foot

Torn ligaments can occur following a range of physical activities from dancing to snowboarding, and several common symptoms can help identify a torn ligament as the cause of your foot pain.

• Swelling and bruising will occur at the site of injury.
• Pain and tenderness are concentrated on the top, bottom or the sides of your foot near the arch.
• Pain intensifies when walking or during other physical activity.
• Inability to bear weight on the injured foot.

In order to correctly diagnose a torn ligament, your doctor will usually take an x-ray of your foot to confirm the location and severity of the injury.

Treatment Options for Torn Foot Ligaments

The appropriate treatment for a torn ligament in the foot varies depending on the severity of the injury. Minor sprains resulting from small tears to your ligaments–often referred to as grade I–will generally heal on their own within a few weeks. Large tears to your foot’s ligaments, also known as grade II sprains, need more attention; these moderately severe sprains usually require a splint or cast and can take up to eight weeks to heal. For both minor and moderate sprains, your doctor may provide you with crutches to help limit the pain as your foot heals.

The most severe injuries to the ligaments of the foot involve cases where the ligaments are completely torn or detached from the bones of the feet. For these grade III sprains, foot surgery may be the only suitable treatment.

Do You Need Foot Surgery?

If you suspect that you may have torn a ligament in your foot, receiving prompt medical attention from an orthopedic specialist is the best way to avoid more serious injury. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, our skilled medical team can assess your injury and prescribe the appropriate course of treatment.

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Signs & Symptoms of a Pulled Tendon in Foot When Walking

There are several different tendons in the foot, all of which can become pulled if over-used. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone, and extensive muscle exertion can put strain on the connections. If you believe you have pulled a tendon in your foot, it is important to see your doctor. Depending on the type and severity of your injury, you may require some form of medical treatment. There are several symptoms that may indicate you have pulled a tendon in your foot.

Pain

Depending on the tendon affected, you may experience pain on the top, bottom or sides of your foot. This pain would be exacerbated by walking or running. Pain at the top of your foot would suggest an injury to your extensor tendons, while pain in the arch may indicate a flexor tendon injury. You may also experience pain at the back of your ankle if the injury is to your Achilles tendon.

Tenderness or Heat

When walking, you may notice tenderness in certain areas of of your foot if you have injured a tendon. If you touch the tender areas, you may feel heat as well. This tenderness and heat can provide a good indication of which tendon or tendons you have injured and should be reported to your doctor.

Swelling or Redness

Beyond the physical pain, swelling in your foot is the clearest indication that you are suffering from some type of injury. You may notice that your foot feels tight in your shoe when walking and appears red upon examination. The swelling may also worsen when you are walking or running. While swelling can indicate a pulled tendon, it could also be indicative of a more-serious injury like a broken bone.

Treatment

One of the best treatments for a pulled tendon is the application of a cold compress to the affected area. This can help reduce pain, swelling and tenderness. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, sports massage may relieve symptoms and aid the healing process. Your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication, recommend that you modify or stop certain exercises, or apply a cast to allow the tendon to heal.

Toe, Foot, and Ankle Injuries

Topic Overview

At one time or another, everyone has had a minor toe, foot, or ankle injury that caused pain or swelling. Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but it’s not surprising that symptoms develop from everyday wear and tear, overuse, or an injury.

Toe, foot, or ankle injuries most commonly occur during:

• Sports or recreational activities.
• Work-related tasks.
• Work or projects around the home.

In children, most toe, foot, or ankle injuries occur during sports, play, or falls. The risk for injury is higher in sports with jumping, such as basketball, or sports with quick direction change, such as soccer or football. Any bone injury near a joint may injure the growth plate (physis) in a child and needs to be evaluated.

Certain athletes, such as dancers, gymnasts, or soccer or basketball players, have an increased risk of toe, foot, or ankle injuries.

Older adults are at higher risk for injuries and fractures because they lose muscle mass and bone strength as they age. They also have more problems with vision and balance, which increases their risk of injury.

Most minor injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve your symptoms and promote healing.

Sudden (acute) injury

An acute injury may occur from a direct blow, a penetrating injury, or a fall, or from twisting, jerking, jamming, or bending a limb abnormally. Your pain may be sudden and severe. Bruising and swelling may develop soon after your injury. Acute injuries include:

• Bruises (contusions). After an ankle injury, bruising may extend to your toes from the effects of gravity.
• Puncture wounds. Sharp objects, such as nails, tacks, ice picks, knives, teeth, and needles, can all cause puncture wounds. Puncture wounds increase your risk of infection because they are hard to clean and they provide a warm, moist place for bacteria to grow. The bacteria Pseudomonas is a common cause of infections when a puncture wound occurs through the sole of an athletic shoe.
• Injuries to ligaments that support your joints.
• Injuries to tendons, such as ruptured tendons in your heel (Achilles tendon). Children ages 8 to 14 may have a condition known as Sever’s disease, which causes injury to the growing bone where the Achilles tendon is attached. This usually occurs during activity and is relieved with home treatment.
• Injuries to your joints (sprains). If a sprain does not appear to be healing, a condition known as osteochondritis dissecans may be present, causing persistent symptoms.
• Pulled muscles (strains). Muscles of the foot and ankle can be strained and can also rupture.
• Broken bones (fractures), such as a broken toe.
• A bone moving out of place (dislocation).
• A crushing injury, which can lead to compartment syndrome.

Overuse injuries

Overuse injuries occur when too much stress is placed on your joint or other tissue, often by “overdoing” an activity or repeating the same activity over and over. Overuse injuries include:

• Retrocalcaneal bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursa. This condition causes swelling and tenderness of the back of the heel and ankle. Pain usually gets worse while you are wearing shoes and during activity, and it improves during rest.
• Achilles tendinitis or tendinosis (tendinopathy), which is the breakdown of soft tissues in and around the Achilles tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
• Stress fracture, which is a hairline crack in a bone.
• Plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a broad, flat ligament on the bottom of the foot that extends from the front of the heel to the base of the toes and helps maintain the arch of the foot.
• Metatarsalgia, which is pain in the front (ball) of the foot.

Treatment

Treatment for your toe, foot, or ankle injury may include first aid measures (such as the application of a brace, splint, or cast), a special shoe (orthotic device), physical therapy, medicine, and, in some cases, surgery. Treatment depends on:

• The location, type, and severity of your injury.
• When the injury occurred.
• Your age, your overall health condition, and your activities (such as work, sports, or hobbies).

Check Your Symptoms

Do you have a toe, foot, or ankle injury?

Yes

Toe, foot, or ankle injury

No

Toe, foot, or ankle injury

How old are you?

Less than 5 years

Less than 5 years

5 years or older

5 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

• If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Has it been more than a month since the toe, foot, or ankle injury?

Yes

Toe, foot, or ankle injury over a month ago

No

Toe, foot, or ankle injury over a month ago

Have you had toe, foot, or ankle surgery in the past month?

If a cast, splint, or brace is causing the problem, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.

Yes

Toe, foot, or ankle surgery in the past month

No

Toe, foot, or ankle surgery in the past month

Do you think that any of your toes might have frostbite?

Yes

Cold temperature exposure

No

Cold temperature exposure

Have you had a major trauma in the past 2 to 3 hours?

Yes

Major trauma in past 2 to 3 hours

No

Major trauma in past 2 to 3 hours

Are you having trouble moving your foot or toes normally?

You may not be able to move it because of pain or swelling or because it is out of its normal position.

Yes

Difficulty moving foot

Can you move the toes, foot, and ankle at all?

Yes

Able to move the toes, foot, and ankle

No

Unable to move the toes, foot, and ankle

Have you had trouble moving the foot or toes for more than 2 days?

Yes

Difficulty moving foot for more than 2 days

No

Difficulty moving foot for more than 2 days

Is there any pain in the toes, foot, or ankle?

Yes

Pain in toes, foot, or ankle

No

Pain in toes, foot, or ankle

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is increasing

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is improving

Do you have any pain in your toes, foot, or ankle?

Yes

Toe, foot, or ankle pain

No

Toe, foot, or ankle pain

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Has the pain:

Gotten worse?

Pain is getting worse

Stayed about the same (not better or worse)?

Pain is unchanged

Gotten better?

Pain is getting better

Has the pain lasted for more than 2 days?

Yes

Pain for more than 2 days

No

Pain for more than 2 days

Is the foot or are any of the toes blue, very pale, or cold and different from the other foot or toes?

If the foot or leg is in a cast, splint, or brace, follow the instructions you got about how to loosen it.

Yes

Foot or toes are blue, very pale, or cold and different from other foot or toes

No

Foot or toes are blue, very pale, or cold and different from other foot or toes

Is any part of a toe partially or completely cut off?

Is it more than the tip of the toe or more than half the size of a dime, or can you see the bone?

Gently wash off any dirt, wrap the cut-off part in a clean cloth, put the wrapped part in a plastic bag, place the bag on ice to keep the digit cool and bring it to the hospital.

Yes

More than tip of toe severed

No

More than tip of toe severed

Is there any swelling or bruising?

Did you have swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of the injury?

Yes

Swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of injury

No

Swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of injury

Has swelling lasted for more than 2 days?

Yes

Swelling for more than 2 days

No

Swelling for more than 2 days

Do you have weakness, numbness, or tingling in your foot that has lasted more than an hour?

Weakness is being unable to use the foot or toes normally no matter how hard you try. Pain or swelling may make it hard to move, but that is not the same as weakness.

Yes

Weakness, numbness, or tingling for more than 1 hour

No

Weakness, numbness, or tingling for more than 1 hour

Do you suspect that the injury may have been caused by abuse?

This is a standard question that we ask in certain topics. It may not apply to you. But asking it of everyone helps us to get people the help they need.

Yes

Injury may have been caused by abuse

No

Injury may have been caused by abuse

Do you think the problem may be causing a fever?

Some bone and joint problems can cause a fever.

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

No

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Is the foot trapped in something, like a jar or a toy?

Was an object stuck in your toe or foot?

This could be something like a nail, a needle, or a large piece of wood, metal, or plastic.

Is the object still in your foot?

Yes

Object is still embedded

No

Object is still embedded

Did the object go through a shoe or boot?

An object that has enough force behind it to go through a shoe can cause serious injury to the foot. Puncture wounds in the sole of the foot also have a high risk of infection.

Yes

Object went through a shoe or boot

No

Object went through a shoe or boot

Have you had symptoms for more than a week?

Yes

Symptoms for more than a week

No

Symptoms for more than a week

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Pain in adults and older children

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Major trauma is any event that can cause very serious injury, such as:

• A fall from more than 10 ft (3.1 m)[more than 5 ft (1.5 m) for children under 2 years and adults over 65].
• A car crash in which any vehicle involved was going more than 20 miles (32 km) per hour.
• Any event that causes severe bleeding that you cannot control.
• Any event forceful enough to badly break a large bone (like an arm bone or leg bone).

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Pain in children 3 years and older

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the child can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain. No one can tolerate severe pain for more than a few hours.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt the child’s normal activities and sleep, but the child can tolerate it for hours or days.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The child notices and may complain of the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt his or her sleep or activities.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury.

Adults and older children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Feeling very dizzy or lightheaded, like you may pass out.
• Feeling very weak or having trouble standing.
• Not feeling alert or able to think clearly. You may be confused, restless, fearful, or unable to respond to questions.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that may occur quickly after a sudden illness or injury.

Babies and young children often have several symptoms of shock. These include:

• Passing out (losing consciousness).
• Being very sleepy or hard to wake up.
• Not responding when being touched or talked to.
• Breathing much faster than usual.
• Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.

With severe bleeding, any of these may be true:

• Blood is pumping from the wound.
• The bleeding does not stop or slow down with pressure.
• Blood is quickly soaking through bandage after bandage.

With moderate bleeding, any of these may be true:

• The bleeding slows or stops with pressure but starts again if you remove the pressure.
• The blood may soak through a few bandages, but it is not fast or out of control.

With mild bleeding, any of these may be true:

• The bleeding stops on its own or with pressure.
• The bleeding stops or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes.

When an area turns blue, very pale, or cold, it can mean that there has been a sudden change in the blood supply to the area. This can be serious.

There are other reasons for color and temperature changes. Bruises often look blue. A limb may turn blue or pale if you leave it in one position for too long, but its normal color returns after you move it. What you are looking for is a change in how the area looks (it turns blue or pale) and feels (it becomes cold to the touch), and this change does not go away.

Symptoms of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
• Red streaks leading from the area.
• Pus draining from the area.
• A fever.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

• Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
• Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
• Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
• Medicines taken after organ transplant.
• Not having a spleen.

You may need a tetanus shot depending on how dirty the wound is and how long it has been since your last shot.

• For a dirty wound that has things like dirt, saliva, or feces in it, you may need a shot if:
  • You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years.
  • You don’t know when your last shot was.
• For a clean wound, you may need a shot if:
  • You have not had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.
  • You don’t know when your last shot was.

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Put direct, steady pressure on the wound until help arrives. Keep the area raised if you can.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Postoperative Problems

Cold Temperature Exposure

Home Treatment

Most minor injuries will heal on their own, and home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve your symptoms and promote healing. But if you suspect that you may have a more severe injury, use first aid measures while you arrange for an evaluation by your doctor.

First aid for a suspected broken bone

• If a bone is sticking out of your skin, do not try to push it back into your skin. It is better to leave the bone alone and cover the area with a clean bandage.
• It is important to control bleeding from your injury.
• Be sure to remove all anklets or rings immediately. It may be hard to remove the jewelry after swelling occurs, which in turn can cause other serious problems, such as nerve compression or restricted blood flow.
• Try to free your trapped toe or foot if it is stuck in an object, such as a pipe, toy, or jar.

If a cast or splint is applied, be sure to keep it dry, and try to move the uninjured part of your extremity as normally as possible to help maintain muscle strength and tone. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to care for your cast or splint.

Home treatment for a sore or sprained toe

Home treatment for a minor foot or ankle injury

If you have a minor injury, try home treatment measures to relieve pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Be sure to remove all rings, anklets, or any other jewelry that goes around a leg or ankle. It will be harder to remove the jewelry later if swelling increases.
• Use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) to relieve pain and swelling.
• Clean a skin wound as soon as possible to help prevent infection, scarring, and tattooing of the skin from dirt left in the wound. The bacteria Pseudomonas is a common cause of infections when a puncture wound occurs through the sole of an athletic shoe.
• If you have pain from blood under a nail, you can drain it to relieve the pain.
• Walk or bear weight on your affected foot as long as it is not painful. If it is painful and the pain continues, check your symptoms again.
• Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.
• For the first 48 hours after your injury, avoid things that might increase swelling in the injured area, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
• After 48 to 72 hours, if your swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments (contrast baths).
• Start exercises using the MSA process (gentle exercise). MSA stands for movement, strength, and alternate activities.
  • Movement. Resume a full range of motion as soon as possible after an injury. After 24 to 48 hours of rest, begin moving the injured area. Stop any activity if it causes pain, and give the injured area more rest. Gentle stretching will prevent scar tissue formation that may decrease movement.
  • Strength. As soon as the swelling is gone and range of motion is restored, begin gradual efforts to strengthen the injured area.
  • Alternate activities. After the first few days but while the injury is still healing, phase in regular exercise using activities or sports that do not place a strain on the injured area. If certain activities cause pain, stop doing those activities but continue doing your other exercises.

Range-of-motion exercises

Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises right after your injury while you have ice on your ankle. Perform a set of exercises by repeating them 10 to 30 times. Do each set 3 to 5 times a day.

Try the following simple range-of-motion exercises:

• Trace the alphabet with your toe, encouraging ankle movement in all directions.
• Sit in a chair with your foot flat on the floor. Slowly move your knee from side to side while keeping your foot pressed flat.

Towel curls. While sitting, place a hand towel on a smooth floor, such as wood or tile. While keeping your heel on the ground, curl your toes and grab the towel with your toes to scrunch the towel. Let go, and continue scrunching up the entire length of the towel. When you reach the end of the towel, reverse the action by grabbing the towel with your toes, scrunching it, and pushing it away from you. Repeat the exercise until you have pushed the entire length of the towel away from you.

Stretching exercises

About 48 to 72 hours after your injury, start exercises to stretch your Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles on the back of the lower leg to the bone at the base of the heel.

Towel stretch. If you can’t stand, sit with your knee straight and a towel looped around the ball of your foot. Gently and slowly pull back on the towel for 15 to 30 seconds until you feel your calf stretch. Repeat 2 to 4 times. In moderate to severe ankle sprains, at first it may be too painful to pull your toes far enough to feel a stretch in your calf. Use caution, and let pain be your guide. A little pain is normal, but you should not feel moderate to severe pain. Do this exercise 2 or 3 times each day for about a week. Then, make Achilles stretches part of your daily routine to maintain flexibility.

Calf stretch. If you are able to stand, you can do this exercise by facing a wall with your hands at shoulder level on the wall. Place your injured foot behind the other with the toes pointing forward. Keep your heels down and your back leg straight. Slowly bend your front knee until you feel the calf stretch in the back leg. Repeat as above.

Strengthening exercises

As soon as you can bear weight without increased pain or swelling, begin muscle-strengthening exercises. These exercises should be held for 3 to 5 seconds. Do 15 to 20 repetitions once or twice daily for 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of your injury.

Start by sitting with your foot flat on the floor and pushing it outward against an immovable object such as a wall or heavy furniture. After you feel comfortable with this, try using rubber tubing looped around the outside of your feet for resistance.

While still sitting, put your feet together flat on the floor. Press your injured foot inward against your other foot.

Next, place the heel of your other foot on top of the injured one. Push down with the top heel while trying to push up with your injured foot.

Balance and control exercises

When you are able to stand without pain, you can begin balance and control exercises. You can start by standing in a doorway and lightly holding on to the doorjamb. When you can do this for 60 seconds, try adding the advanced moves in the next level.

Stand on your injured foot only and hold your arms:

• Out to the side with your eyes open.
• Across your chest with your eyes open.
• Out to the side and close your eyes.
• Across your chest and close your eyes.

Do six repetitions, holding each for 60 seconds, once a day.

Take good care of your feet

Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Symptoms to watch for during home treatment

Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:

• Pain or swelling develops.
• Signs of infection develop.
• Numbness; tingling; or cool, pale skin develops.
• Symptoms do not improve with home treatment.
• Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

Prevention

The following tips may prevent toe, foot, or ankle injuries.

Toe, foot, and ankle tips

• Avoid problems by wearing good footwear. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes.
• Do not walk barefoot in areas such as streets and parks where you have an increased risk of stepping on an object.
• Use a rubber mat to stand on if your work requires you to stand on hard surfaces. This will help to reduce stress on your feet.
• Buy new running shoes often. Experts recommend getting new athletic shoes every 3 months or after 500 miles of wear. Overworn shoes may not absorb shock well or provide traction or protection.
• Reduce your risk of reinjury by wrapping your foot or ankle or wearing a supportive brace during activities or exercises where injury is a risk.
• Prevent blisters caused by poorly fitting shoes or socks.
• Do exercises for heel pain and tightness. This is especially important for athletes before they participate in sports. It is also helpful for people who are not involved with sports.
• To help prevent foot injuries and problems:
  • Wear good athletic shoes, such as shoes with cushioned soles (especially heels) and good arch support. Physical therapists, orthopedists, podiatrists, and sports medicine health professionals can advise you.
  • Buy new shoes every few months, because padding wears out. Also buy new shoes if the tread or heels wear down. The expense is worth preventing ongoing (chronic) foot or ankle problems.
  • Be reasonable in your training:
    • Stretch your foot, ankle, and leg muscles before and after exercise.
    • Avoid rapidly increasing the number of miles you run, running or training uphill, and running on hard surfaces, such as concrete.
    • Avoid excessive sprinting (short, rapid bursts of running).
• Never cut calluses and corns with a razor or a pocketknife.
• Avoid foot problems or injuries, especially if you have diabetes.

Reduce falls

General prevention tips

• Use a step stool. Do not stand on chairs or other unsteady objects.
• Wear protective gear during sports or recreational activities, such as roller-skating or soccer to prevent injuries for you or your child. Supportive splints may reduce your risk of injury.
• Maintain a reasonable weight for your height.
• Stretch before and after physical exercise, sports, or recreational activities to warm up your muscles.
• Walk regularly to improve circulation, increase flexibility, reduce fatigue, and encourage bone and muscle development.
• Use the correct techniques (movements) or positions during activities so that you do not strain your muscles.
• Avoid overusing your foot and ankle with repeated movements that can injure your bursa or tendon. In daily routines or hobbies, examine activities in which you make repeated movements.
• If you feel that certain activities at your workplace are causing pain or soreness from overuse, talk to your human resources department for information on alternative ways of doing your job or to discuss equipment modifications or other job assignments.

Keep your bones strong

• Eat a nutritious diet with enough calcium and vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium. Calcium is found in dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; dark green, leafy vegetables, such as broccoli; and other foods.
• Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights, for 2½ hours a week. One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. In addition to weight-bearing exercise, experts recommend that you do resistance exercises at least 2 days a week. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you. Begin slowly, especially if you have not been active. For more information, see the topic Fitness.
• Do not drink more than 2 alcoholic drinks a day if you are a man, or 1 alcoholic drink a day if you are a woman. People who drink more than this may be at higher risk for weakening bones (osteoporosis). Alcohol use also increases your risk of falling and breaking a bone.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking puts you at a much higher risk for developing osteoporosis. It also interferes with blood supply and healing. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking.

Possible abuse

Injuries such as bruises, burns, fractures, cuts, or punctures may be a sign of abuse. Suspect possible abuse when an injury cannot be explained or does not match the explanation, repeated injuries occur, or the explanations for the cause of the injury change. You may be able to prevent further abuse by reporting it and seeking help.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• How and when did an injury occur? How was it treated?
• Can you walk, or is walking difficult?
• Have you had any injuries in the past to the same area? Do you have any continuing problems because of the previous injury?
• What activities related to sports, work, or your lifestyle make your symptoms better or worse?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help?
• What nonprescription medicines have you taken. Did they help?
• Do you have any health risks?

Current as of: February 26, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP – Emergency Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine

Torn Ligament or Tendon in the Foot

By: Ehren Allen, PT, COMT /Dr. Hiram Carrasquillo

What is a Torn Ligament or Tendon in the Foot?

A torn ligament of tendon in the foot is an injury that can limit daily activity.  A ligament is fibrous tissue that connects 2 or more bones together. A tendon connects muscle to bone.  A tear in either can come from trauma or repetitive stress. 

foot and ankle tendons that can get torn

Can You Walk with a Torn Tendon in Foot?

The quick answer is yes, typically you can walk with a torn ligament or tendon in the foot.  Walking may be painful but you can typically still walk.

For example, the Posterior Tibialis Tendon runs down the back of the shin, behind the middle bump of the ankle (medial malleolus) and to the bottom of the foot.  It is tears, walking is still possible but it will probably hurt. The arch of the foot may not be supported which may lead to increased pain.

A torn tendon on the top of the foot would likely be painful but walking would still be possible.  

How Do You Know if You Tore a Tendon in Your Foot?

There are several ways to identify that you may have a torn ligament or tendon in the foot.  These include:

1. Feel or hear a pop.
2. Pain.
3. Bruising.
4. Decreased strength.
5. Inability to use the affected arm or leg.
6. Unable to support weight or weakness.

Image of ankle anatomy

What Does a Torn Tendon in the Foot Feel Like?

Dr. Hiram Carrasquillo states that when a tendon tears, the sensation can vary.  It may feel like a rubber band snapping or it may feel like getting kicked in the shin.

A torn ligament or tendon in the foot will likely feel swollen and achy after the injury.  A torn or strained tendon is not necessarily completely detached.  There can be a partial tear of some of the fibers.  When a tendon tear occurs, the body deposits collagen in the damaged area to attempt to repair the tear. This may lead to an enlarged and tender area on the tendon where it was torn. 

If a tendon is completely torn, it will likely retract and the muscle it is attached to will shorten.  Once a tendon is completely torn, It must be surgically repaired quickly or it may be difficult to stretch it to reach the other end. There usually is less pain if a tendon completely tears because there is no longer stress on the injured area.

Do X-rays Show Tendon Damage?

X-Rays are for identifying bone injuries, alignment and fractures.  Tendon and ligament injuries are not usually detected on X-ray.  There may be subtle signs on X-ray but they are not typically 

An MRI is the best type of imaging to detect a tendon or ligament tear. The results would have to match what was found on a clinical exam though. Most strains and sprains do not require an MRI.  MRIs are a costly test and are typically only used if conservative treatment, such as physical therapy does not help.  MRIs may be ordered earlier if obvious defect of a tendon is observed or if there is difficulty establishing a diagnosis.

What Happens if You Tear a Ligament in Your Foot?

A tear or sprain in a ligament is much more common that a tendon tear in the foot.  Ankle sprains are the most common orthopedic injury.  When you tear a ligament in the foot or ankle, there is usually immediate swelling. You can typically still stand on it.  The severity and number of ligaments involved will impact the swelling and recovery.

Ligaments do not receive much blood supply.  This makes the healing process slower than other injuries. 

If you would like to learn more about ankle sprains, this video may help. 

How do you Fix a Torn Ligament or Tendon in the Foot?

Not all ligament or tendon tears need to be surgically repaired.  Usually, splinting and conservative treatment are appropriate.  Larger tendons and severe tears may require surgery. 

Dr. Carrasquillo is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. His residency was completed in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He completed a post-graduate fellowship in foot and ankle surgery in Cincinnati, OH, under G. James San Marco, M.D. Dr. Carrasquillo is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery.  Dr. Carrasquillo specializes in the treatment of the foot & ankle, lower leg and general orthopedic surgery at the JOI San Marco office. 

To avoid the emergency room during the pandemic with an orthopedic injury, please give us a call. 

To book an appointment with Dr. Carrasquillo, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online or click the link below.

90,000 What to do if the muscles in the leg are stretched? | HEALTH

About the reasons and necessary actions for distortion were told by the staff of the Department of Therapeutic Disciplines IDPO VSMU im. N.N. Burdenko.

“Sprain (distortion) of the leg is an injury caused by the maximum tension of muscles or ligaments and tendons (fibers connecting muscle and bone). With an excessive load on the leg, its tissues cannot withstand the pressure exerted, which results in stretching of the limb.In fact, in this case, breakage of individual fibers in the bundle occurs while maintaining the integrity of others.

In everyday life, muscle strain can occur due to hard physical work, improper lifting of weights, sudden unusual movement, falling, collision. During sports activities – with overload on the muscles, especially without warm-up, as well as with a sudden sharp change in the direction of movement. Also, the reasons include falls and blows.

When the muscles of the leg are stretched, the following symptoms are observed: pain, muscle weakness in the leg, lack of performance of the injured muscle, the presence of edema at the site of the sprain, bruising or hematoma, hypersensitivity to touch at the site of the sprain.

It is impossible to independently determine the degree of injury. It is imperative to consult a doctor, since similar symptoms of pain, swelling, limitation of mobility, hematoma can occur both with a fracture and with a muscle rupture and other traumatic injuries.

Before contacting a healthcare professional, you must:

1. Apply a cold compress to the stretch site. The ice pack should be wrapped in a towel so that there is no direct contact with the skin and applied to the injured area for 15-20 minutes.

2. Fix the limb. For this purpose, it is possible to apply bandaging with elastic material or the imposition of an orthopedic bandage (orthosis). At the same time, immobility is ensured and, as a consequence, a decrease in pain and swelling, protection from further injury and aggravation of the situation (rupture of blood vessels, hemorrhage). When bandaging the legs, do not pull the limb too tight so that there is no paleness, blueing of the limb.

3. Creation of rest: the first three days are prohibited any physical activity on the stretched tissue in order to avoid worsening the prognosis of recovery.The injured leg must be positioned so that it is above the level of the heart (on a roller or pillow). This will help ensure blood flow away from the sprained area, reducing pain and swelling.

When stretched prohibited:

• to carry out warming procedures (using a heating pad, compresses, going to a bath or sauna, rubbing with warming ointments). This will provoke the formation of a more severe edema, hemorrhage, as well as a deterioration in the prognosis of the course of the disease;
• try to fix the end;
• Load the injured limb: try to walk, massage the stretch site.In the acute phase, this can lead to further rupture of the fibers.

See also:

Treatment of sprains and muscles in Yekaterinburg

Ligaments and muscle tissues do not allow the joint to deform, directing its movement, but they themselves suffer from strong tension.

As a result of increased physical exertion on unheated muscles, as a result of falls or blows, the integrity of the fibers of the connective tissue is disrupted.

Sprains of the ligaments and muscles of the joint is an injury that causes considerable discomfort and pain, makes it difficult and restricts movement in the joints.

Stretching symptoms

• Sharp, pulling pain. It persists after injury for a long time
• Swelling
• If the stretch is significant, some tissue may be torn. A hematoma appears at the site of the impact
• Inability to move the affected joint
• Sometimes there is a cramp in the injured muscles
• If there is a rupture of a large muscle, a ball is felt under the skin.These are torn fibers gathered in a ball.

Commentary traumatologist-orthopedist

Sprains of ligaments and muscles have similar symptoms, but they can be distinguished by the time of onset of pain syndrome: when a ligament is stretched, pain appears immediately or within a short time after injury, and in the case of muscles, the interval can be up to a day.

Butkevich Anton Andreevich

What to do when stretching

You can give yourself first aid in case of injury.However, full treatment of muscle sprains is a challenge for a qualified physician.

Self-help with stretching is simple: protect the affected area from stress and prevent severe swelling. To do this, apply ice to the affected area of ​​the limb, avoiding direct contact with the skin, and apply a bandage that will keep the joint from displacement. The arm or leg needs to be as calm as possible.

Treatment of sprains and muscles in Yekaterinburg

Secondary therapy using complex methods will be provided by a doctor.Sprains can be treated at the Evolife Prevention and Rehabilitation Center. The therapy is carried out by non-surgical methods and begins with an appointment with an experienced traumatologist.

90,000 Muscle sprains – symptoms, treatment, prevention, causes, first signs

General information

Very often this happens due to intense physical exertion, disproportionate to your capabilities, as well as with excessively active or fast movements or stress on uncrumpled, unheated muscles. You may feel something bursting or tearing when muscle or ligament tissue is too tight. It may be painful for you to walk and move.Stretching usually takes 1 to 6 weeks to heal.

Symptoms

Stretching the muscle – the muscle in such injuries is too stretched, some tissue may be torn. There may be bleeding and swelling in the damaged area. As the stretch wears off, small scars may appear, so after injury the muscle may not be as elastic and strong. If the joint is too tense, the tissues of the ligaments and other elements supporting the joint can tear.In this case, the joint swells, becomes very sensitive and painful.

What you can do

In order to stop bleeding and relieve the tumor, the following simple methods of treatment are recommended:

• after injury, physical exertion and sudden movements should be avoided (within 48 hours, complete absence of stress on the damaged area necessarily).
• Immediately after injury, ice should be applied for at least 20 minutes as soon as possible, and then ice should be applied every 4 hours for 48 hours.Ready-made packs of ice, cubes wrapped in a damp towel, or even packs of frozen vegetables (such as green peas) will work. However, ice should not be applied directly to the skin; it should be protected with a towel or napkins.
• it is necessary to apply an elastic pressure bandage to the damaged area.
• The injured arm or leg must be held in an elevated position.

• Warming compresses can be used after 48 hours.Light exercise during a hot bath can also help.
• After 48 hours, you can do 10 stretching exercises for the injured muscle per day, but they should be very smooth and soft. Abrupt movements should be avoided, as your task is to slightly stretch the muscle, and not damage it again.
• If you stretch your leg, try to walk normally without limping. Take small steps, using a cane if necessary.
• Regular exercise is necessary after injury.Start with very little exercise and smooth movements, but exercise every day.
• After an injury, you need to make the muscle strong and elastic again. After an elbow injury, special exercises are needed to prevent repeated stretching in the same area. A sports bandage may be applied.

What your doctor can do

Your doctor may suggest medication to relieve pain and swelling, but most sprains from the above recommendations will resolve on their own within a week or so.You may need a referral to a physical therapist.

If the sprain is very severe, your doctor may suggest an x-ray to make sure the bone is intact. If the ligament is completely torn, surgery may be necessary.

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What to do if you pulled a muscle on football

June 21, 2018

When stretching muscles (ligaments) during a football game or during training, remember that there are many vessels and nerve endings in them.This is a zone of increased sensitivity. The rupture of the connective fibers is accompanied by a sensation of sharp, severe pain

When stretching muscles (ligaments) during a football game or during training, remember that there are many vessels and nerve endings in them. This is a zone of increased sensitivity. The rupture of the connective fibers is accompanied by a sensation of sharp, severe pain and the appearance of edema.How to provide first aid to the injured footballer in this case?

Urgent measures to prevent unwanted consequences

Timely assistance will help facilitate further treatment and significantly reduce the risk of negative consequences. The damaged joint should be allowed complete rest for three to four days.

A tight bandage is suitable for fixing with:

• elastic bandage;
• kerchiefs;
• scarves;

90,023 pieces of dense material cut off.

If abnormal mobility is detected, a tire is required. You can relieve pain with an ice heater or ice cream products wrapped in a towel. This procedure should not last more than twenty minutes, but it must be repeated for two days every five hours.

Note. If a severe hematoma has formed, keep the limb at a level above the head. This will help reduce blood flow to the affected area. To relieve edema, special ointments and gels are used, which also have a calming, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect (for example, Heparin ointment, Indovazin, Ketonal, Diclofenac).

Preventive measures

The fact of trauma indicates that proper attention was not paid to prevention. Before playing football, you should take care of the reliable protection of your legs, feet, knees. Your footwear should be comfortable, ergonomic and with a number of safety features.

Remember, the stronger and healthier your body as a whole, the better it is protected from injury.

90,000 Calf muscle strain: symptoms and treatment

Calf stretch accompanies athletes throughout their careers.Most often, jumpers and runners suffer from unpleasant symptoms. In everyday life, rupture of the calf muscles also occurs, especially during physical exertion without proper preparation. Treatment for sprains after injury depends on the extent of the injury.

Slight discomfort in the leg can be successfully corrected at home, including with the use of kinesio tapes.

Symptoms of a stretched calf muscles

When a leg pain is referred to as “pulled the calf”, they usually mean a stretched calf muscle (lateral or medial head), sometimes involving the plantar.Both are under the knee and directed along the bone towards the ankle. Muscle tissue is made up of many elastic fibers. The work of this complex allows us to walk, run and jump. However, at high loads and exceeding the permissible stretch in the gastrocnemius muscle, tears are formed.

Symptoms depend on the severity of the leg injury. A slight sprain may be accompanied by mild pain and a pulling sensation in the lower leg. The patient can still walk, albeit with discomfort.

Severe damage to the calf muscles causes acute pain in the lower leg and leads to complete immobility.

Additional symptoms of stretching or rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle:

• hyperemia,
• redness,
• bruising,
• inability to stand on the leg.

Even if the pain is tolerable, treatment is necessary. If the problem is allowed to take its course, the process may become chronized, which is much more difficult to correct later.

Calf tear treatment

Moderate stretching resolves on its own within a few days.You can speed up the process of treating your leg at home using the following measures:

• Ice or cold compresses. Wrap the ice in a soft cloth and place on the caviar for 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure every couple of hours for the first three days after the injury, if it is accompanied by edema.
• Heating pad. When the hyperemia has passed, but the pain remains, you can use a barely warm heating pad instead of ice.
• Leg bandage. It also helps to reduce swelling and increase mobility. Together or instead of bandages (depending on the situation), kinesiotapes are also used in the treatment of sprains of the calf muscles.They must be applied on the recommendation of a doctor.
• Placing the leg above the level of the heart. It also reduces swelling and pain.
• Rest for the injured muscle. It is possible to subject the tissue to loads only after the disappearance of pain and swelling.

With severe inflammation, it is allowed to take NSAIDs – ibuprofen, diclofenac, paracetamol.

If symptoms persist within 2-3 days, a more serious injury is likely that requires surgery or increased physical therapy.

Classical home taping technique for stretching the calf muscles

For appliqués, a 5 cm wide I-tape and scissors are required. Before applying the kinesio tape, the skin must be absolutely clean and free of grease. If there is abundant hair, it is better to remove it – this way the patch will last longer and it will be easier to remove it.

Stages of applying tapes in case of rupture of the caviar muscle (partner needed):

1. Lie on a bed or couch face down and hang the toes of the foot.Measure the length of the calf muscle (from the lower leg to the popliteal region). Cut off two tapes to the appropriate length, round off the edges.
2. Apply the tape without tension to the medial head, starting from the ankle.
3. On top of the first anchor on the lower leg, attach the second, and, according to the same principle, apply a plaster to the lateral head of the calf.
4. Measure the distance between the outer sides of the taped tapes at the painful point of the leg. Apply a patch of the appropriate size to the problem area with a tension of 50%.
5. Rub the tapes well to speed up the adhesion of the material to the skin.

Wait at least half an hour before physical activity.

Pay attention: if it is not possible to take the indicated starting position for taping, then you can apply the plaster while standing – take a wide step forward, leaving the foot of the injured leg firmly pressed to the floor.

Taping on the back of the lower leg

Improvement of lymph circulation

In order to eliminate hematomas and bruises, the W-shaped technique of applying tapes is used, as well as gluing cross-tapes covering the entire damaged area.This method improves lymphatic drainage, accelerating the elimination of toxins and waste products. Significant changes for the better are noticeable already on the second day.

Terms of rehabilitation therapy for sprains of the calf muscles

To restore the functioning of the diseased leg, 3-7 days are enough. In severe and advanced cases, it may take 2 or more months. In such cases, we are talking about an operation.

Premature stress on the affected area leads to repeated injuries, hernias and an increase in the duration of rehabilitation.It is best to start using the leg with exercise therapy classes. Ukraine practices the use of rehabilitation measures in polyclinics, including the use of physiotherapy exercises and kinesiology tapes. You can buy the required roll and get tips on taping on this website.

ᐉ What to do if … your leg is bogged down in the water • Pharmacy of Low Prices

Most often people spend their holidays in resorts, in particular, where there is a sea. Using sunscreen and swimming skills is the key to a pleasant and safe stay.and if there should be no problems with the purchase of various anti-tan creams and panama hats, then not everyone can learn to swim. Someone is afraid of water or waves, for someone the water in the sea seems too cold at depth, it doesn’t matter, the main thing is to be very careful when in the water. In fact, problems and troubles can be experienced by people who feel great in the water and know how to swim. For example, hypothermia and a sharp involuntary muscle contraction – convulsions .

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The main cause of seizures is a sharp change in the temperature of the body and the surrounding space (water and air), ignoring procedures aimed at warming up muscles, ligaments, the body as a whole – exercise and rubbing.The best conditions for staying in water come at a temperature of about 17-20 degrees Celsius, in cloudless and calm weather.

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If, while in the water (most often, when swimming from shallow to depth), you feel a part of your body cramping, try to get out on land as soon as possible. If you are far from the coast, look for a shallow one. In its absence, try to shorten the muscle twisted in a spasm as quickly as possible by rolling over onto your back (when swimming with your back down, roll over onto your stomach).Repositioning will help a positive temperature change.

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Now in detail about each muscle. All of the above body movements are most conveniently performed while lying on your back. Try to breathe deeply, don’t panic. Rest periodically by rolling over onto your back. This is the safest position and the least likely to swallow water. If you bring your hand into your wrist, you need to bend your palm into a fist, cut your hand at the elbow joint and sharply throw it back. In case of spasm of the gastrocnemius muscle, you need to be bent in the torso, grab the foot of the reduced leg with your hands and pull the foot towards you.If the thigh muscles have contracted, you need to grab the leg with your hand from the outside just below the lower leg at the very ankle, then bend your leg at the knee and pull your hand back towards your back. Do not make too abrupt movements in order to avoid sprains and dislocations.

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If you are exhausted while fighting a convulsion, try to rest on your back, if you feel cold or numbness in your limbs, try to attract the attention of people in the water or on the shore.

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“ Pharmacy ANTS ” strongly recommends not to swim long distances if there is a feeling of fatigue, anxiety, uncertainty, little experience.Swim in designated bathing areas marked by buoys and ropes. If you have experience in long-distance swimming, it will be useful to pin a pin to your bathing suit, a hairpin to your hair – in case of spasms, you can gently prick the place that the cramp has brought together, this can help in the situation that has arisen.

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What to do if a muscle has been pulled on the leg: home treatment

A muscle strain in the leg is a complete or partial rupture of muscle fibers.Their damage usually occurs in a state of contraction or tension, for example, when starting too intensely before running. The leading symptom of stretching the muscles of the leg is a sharp, piercing pain at the time of rupture. Then, within a few hours, inflammatory edema and hematoma form.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of examination of the injured leg and the patient’s complaints. A number of instrumental studies (MRI, electromyography) are carried out to assess the condition of muscles and adjacent ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues.With minor damage, treatment is conservative. Surgery is required to repair severely injured muscles.

Main muscles of the lower extremities.

Symptoms of pathology

Sprain is the simplest type of injury. Solving the problem must be treated with full responsibility so that the recovery goes as quickly as possible. When the muscles of the leg are stretched, symptoms manifest as severe pain in the affected limb. The intensity of pain depends on the degree of muscle tissue damage.

If the injury is small, then the pain is moderate, aching and easily tolerated. Mobility is practically unlimited, but when you try to move, it increases. This reaction is observed due to the fact that the injured muscles are responsible for the nerve impulse by the contraction and spread of pain.

The second accompanying symptom of a leg sprain is swelling, which manifests itself as swelling. The degree of edema formation depends on the nature of the injury, the depth of the rupture site, and the intensity of bleeding.Quite often, patients note the appearance of a hematoma after an injury. This phenomenon occurs due to the decomposition of coagulated blood into formed elements.

The limitation of mobility is usually not severe, but further movement will increase the discomfort. A very important point when asking what to do when stretching muscles is to ensure rest. If the swelling continues to increase, and the pain sensations intensify, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

Grades

Sprains have a specific severity classification:

1. Initial Grade is characterized by moderate sprain.With it, mild pain occurs, which can disappear within 3 days.
2. Moderate soreness occurs during muscle contraction. A feeling of weakness arises. When small vessels are damaged, this leads to a hematoma. Here you cannot do without the advice of a specialist.
3. Severe tears and tears of muscle fibers are characteristic. Sometimes they come loose from the tendon. Swelling, bruising, and severe pain occur. It is difficult for a person to make elementary movements.

Root Causes

A ruptured muscle in the leg can occur for several reasons. The most common are:

1. Hard physical work. Stretching is facilitated by prolonged physical exertion.
2. Weight lifting. Stretching muscles is possible with improper lifting of weights. This often happens with a straight back and not bent knees.
3. Uncomfortable position. If a person stays in an uncomfortable position for a long period, then this becomes the cause of the stretching of the leg muscles.
4. Sports activities. Physical activity when playing sports without prior preparation becomes the cause of the problem. It can be doing flexibility exercises, lifting a barbell.
5. Fall or collision. When you fall, the muscles twitch sharply, which causes a stretch.

The risk of getting a muscle strain is increased in people who are not physically active. People who are overweight, have poor posture, clubfoot or flat feet, and frequent dizziness associated with hypertension are also at risk.

A few words about painkillers

You may have noticed that the entire article never mentioned painkillers and this is not just that. I’m not really a fan of using pain relievers for minor muscle sprains.

As mentioned earlier, the pain appeared for a reason. Pain is a defense mechanism that helps you avoid aggravating the injury by over-straining the injured muscles. Having got rid of pain, you will not be able to understand where to stop and can harm the body even more.

First aid

What should be done when stretching muscles to prevent complications? The rate of therapy depends on the severity. Much depends on how competently and on time the first aid was provided. Three basic principles of patient care:

1. Rest . Provide a person with immobility and complete peace. The injured muscle should not be stressed for 48 hours.
2. Cold . To reduce pain, to prevent swelling, you will need to apply cold to the affected area immediately after the injury and keep it for a third of an hour.This can be a piece of meat or vegetables from the freezer wrapped in cloth. For two days, you will need to perform procedures every 4 hours. It is imperative to protect the dermis from the effects of ice with a towel. After this time, be sure to start warming compresses.
3. Fixation . To prevent the swelling from becoming larger, an elastic bandage will need to be applied to the affected area. Be sure to raise your leg 5 cm above the level of your head.

The best prevention of stretching the muscles of the foot is constant sports.

Diagnostics

After injury, the victim must be examined by a traumatologist. Early diagnosis is the key to a quick recovery. During the examination of the patient, the following factors should be established:

• the degree and severity of the injury and muscle strain;
• localization of damage;
• additional injuries.

If a femur fracture is suspected, an x-ray should be taken. Diagnostics is carried out according to the following scheme:

• palpation and assessment of pain in the damaged area of ​​the body;
• Ultrasound of the thigh muscles to determine the integrity of the muscle fiber and the presence of tears and damage;
• CT or MRI for the diagnosis of severe injuries and other associated femoral injuries.

If the diagnosis is not carried out in a timely manner, and the patient self-medicates, then there is a high probability of complications. The injured muscles will not heal well, and in the future there will be seals at the fusion site. This will provoke constant inflammatory processes, and the motor activity of the hip will be significantly reduced.

Treatment with ointments

How to treat a muscle strain on the leg? With such a problem, ointments are in great demand.This form of release is very convenient. Ointments are used to suppress pain and eliminate inflammation. But there are some nuances that you need to pay attention to. These include:

1. Acute period. What should be done when stretching leg muscles? On the first day after the injury, when severe pain is felt, irritants should not be used. Such ointments will only increase the flow of blood. Anesthetics, analgesics containing natural ingredients, heparin are prescribed.Usually doctors prescribe such agents as balms on mint, eucalyptus, cloves, ointment “Lidocaine” or “Gold Star”, cooling drugs Essaven, Indovazin, Heparil, Rutozid, Troxevasin. The drugs are used strictly according to the instructions or as directed by a doctor.
2. After 48 hours. During this time, you will need to start thermal procedures. To the aid will come funds that combine a vasodilator and analgesic effect. These drugs include Finalgon, Espol, Sanitas, Efkamon, Revma-gel, Fastum-gel.

When applying ointments, rub them in with light circular movements. This process will help improve blood circulation and enhance the effect of the medication.

When to see a doctor

Most sprains can be successfully treated on an outpatient basis, but there are some symptoms that require immediate admission to the orthopedic or surgical department. These include:

1. Numbness, coldness and pallor of the limb, which indicate severe vascular damage;
2. Tingling or loss of sensation in the leg indicates that the nerves are torn;
3. Unnatural position of the leg, very rapid development of edema and hematoma may indicate a bone fracture;
4. The presence of a crackling sound during injury sometimes indicates a rupture of the joint capsule or a crack.

Do not hesitate with the examination if the injury constantly occurs in the same joint and if the painful sensations do not diminish within three days. If all the symptoms are accompanied by an increase in body temperature, general weakness and a feeling of chills, these are signs of intoxication of the body, in which a medical examination is also necessary.

Application of compresses

If the question arises, what to do if you have stretched a muscle on your leg, then you need to pay attention to compresses.Warming compresses are ways to heal an injury in a short period of time. It is possible to start them 2 days after the injury. Until this time, only cool the affected areas.

The most effective recipes are:

1. Potato . Take raw potatoes and grate them on a fine grater. You will also need to chop one onion and take a handful of chopped cabbage. Add 1 large spoonful of sugar to the mixture and mix very well. Dilute the mixture of curdled milk to get the consistency of plasticine.Apply the compress to the sore spot, wrap it in plastic and insulate it with a scarf. Leave it overnight.
2. With water pump . Buy bodyagi powder from the pharmacy and add water to it. You should get a gruel consistency. Rub the mixture into the affected area with light movements. Such a compress will help fight bruises and quickly eliminate puffiness.
3. With garlic . Pass the head of garlic through a press and get juice from the gruel. Mix the resulting product with freshly squeezed juice of one lemon.In the composition, soak a piece of gauze and apply to the affected area.
4. With milk . Take a cloth napkin and soak it in warmed milk. Once it has cooled down, apply to the affected area. Conduct sessions up to three times a day. Such a remedy copes well with pain.
5. With tea . How is a stretched leg muscle treated? To do this, brew strong tea and let it cool slightly. Fold gauze in 4 layers, moisten in liquid and apply a compress to the sore leg.Replace it after the gauze is dry.
6. With clay . Take 0.5 kg of clay and mix it with 5 large tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and two finely chopped garlic cloves. The composition is very well mixed and applied to the affected area. Wrap on top with a cloth, wrap with cellophane and insulate. Keep until the clay dries. After that, replace the compress with a new one and stand again until the clay hardens. Repeat the procedures three times a day.
7. With flour .Take a glass of flour, salt and water. Mix all components thoroughly, and apply the resulting dough to the affected area. Fix it with a bandage. As soon as the dough begins to harden, remove the compress.

8. With elderberry leaves . Pull fresh leaves of the plant and attach them to the stretch. Apply three such compresses per day.
9. With cuff . Take 100 g of the leaves of an ordinary cuff and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. Leave to infuse for 4 hours.After this time, strain the composition and make compresses with gauze. Withstand for about half an hour. Such sessions will help to cope with swelling and bruising.
10. With elecampane . Take the root of the elecampane and chop it finely. Pour three large tablespoons of powder with a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for a third of an hour. In the infusion, moisten gauze, secure with a bandage and insulate with a towel.
11. With tansy . Take three large spoons of crushed plant flowers and pour a cup of boiling water over them.Leave to infuse for an hour, then filter. Take gauze, moisten it in the infusion and apply to the sore spot.
12. With arnica . Stretching the leg muscles can be treated with arnica. Mix 0.2 l of camphor alcohol and 20 g of arnica flowers. In the resulting product, moisten a piece of gauze and apply to the affected area. Fix the bandage and warm it with a scarf.

Such simple recipes will help to cope with unpleasant symptoms: pain, swelling, hematomas.Before use, make sure that there are no allergic reactions to the components of the compresses.

Elimination of pain and inflammation

Stretching the hip can be completely restored. Medicines are worthy allies. Creams and gels support small blood vessels, prevent hypoxia, relieve inflammation. Their use is safe if the instructions are followed.

Warming ointments are responsible for heat transfer. Not suitable for emergency aid, intended for rehabilitation.Main components:

• Apitoxin. Bee venom increases vascular permeability, softens scars, dilates capillaries. The treatment is carried out due to the thermal effect;
• Pepper extract. Irritates receptors, prevents myositis, increases the elasticity of the ligaments, increases mobility, triggers the recovery mechanism;
• Camphor. Stimulates nerve endings. Camphor oil increases muscle tone, most of all the four-headed. Provides a distracting effect;
• Methyl salicylate.Relieves pain, stops inflammation. This is known as aspirin. Oppresses prostaglandins.

Cooling ointments are first applied to the painful focus. The temperature is not lowered, but the feeling of coolness is created. The analgesic principle of action: not to heal, but to relieve pain. Apply in a thin layer until completely absorbed (without rubbing). Active ingredients:

• Menthol. Cooling specificity. Slight burning, tingling sensation. Local antiseptic. At the level of the central nervous system, it affects pain symptoms;
• Ketoprofen.Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins. Fast action. Long lasting effect. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug;
• Nimesulide. Relieves post-traumatic inflammation of the ligaments. It is indicated for degenerative diseases: bursitis, osteoarthritis, sciatica. Available in gel form.

Analgesic ointments

Topical products are applied for the first time before bedtime. The muscles willingly give in to massage, rubbing with the four-headed one is especially effective. The subsequent use scheme is three times a day.Rub in in a circular motion without pressure. Pharmaceutical companies represent the following brands:

• Lioton-1000. Against edema and bruising;
• Heparin. Contusions of soft tissues and ligaments;
• Actovegin. Normalizes blood flow in the capillaries;
• Nikoflex. Increases tone, warms up;
• Voltaren emulgel. Anti-inflammatory agent based on diclofenac;
• Indomethacin. Local analgesic effect.

If the hip sprain continues to bother, antispasmodics are prescribed: drotaverine, noshpa, midocalm.Potent tablets: ketanov, ibuprofen, diclofenac, it is advisable to take no more than three days, in order to avoid problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Traditional medicine advises making lotions from hot beer, black pepper and lavender essential oil. The bay leaf infusion is taken orally. Alcohol with an iodine solution is an excellent base for a compress. Oat flour is used as an applique. Some healers use chopped onion and honey to treat inflammation. Elderberry infusion is popular.Concomitant procedures are a psychological factor; a doctor prescribes radical therapy.

Treatment with folk remedies

When the question arises, what to do when stretching the muscles of the leg, you should pay attention to herbs. The following recipes are very effective:

• lotions with potatoes;
• onion compress;
• Appliques with aloe;
• herbal trays.

Potato treatment for stretching the muscles of the leg will help to cope with painful sensations, as well as help to eliminate all spasms.The potatoes must be peeled, washed and grated very finely. Put the resulting composition on a piece of cloth and attach to the sore spot. Fix the compress for 40 minutes. Repeat the session the next day.

Onion compress perfectly copes with the consequences of trauma. The vegetable copes with redness and puffiness. Peel the onion, wash and finely chop or grate. Add a little salt to the resulting gruel. Put the composition on a piece of gauze and apply to the diseased area. Apply in such a way that the medicine does not come into direct contact with the skin.Wrap the bandage in polyethylene, insulate with a scarf and leave for at least 6 hours.

If a person is faced with a muscle strain on the leg, what to do and how to deal with the problem? Pay attention to aloe. The plant is characterized by unique properties. Aloe helps to cope with acute inflammatory processes even in a neglected form, eliminates severe swelling. The plant is used in the first three days after the injury.

To obtain the product, you will need to take a leaf of the plant, cut it along the fibers.In this case, juice will begin to stand out. With the resulting cut, attach the sheet to the diseased part and hold until the bandage becomes warm. Then change it to a new one.

Home treatment muscle stretching can be carried out using trays with the addition of string, chamomile, calendula, mint and plantain. Water sessions will help to cope with excessive swelling, relieve pain and soothe the affected area. Warm up the water to a comfortable temperature, and the procedure itself should be carried out for no more than a third of an hour.

Restoration of vital functions

Having eliminated pain symptoms, they proceed to rehabilitation. Physiotherapy and complex exercises can help prevent scar tissue formation. Classes begin two weeks after the incident (in the first and second degree). The load is minimal. Back surface injuries take longer to recover. Smooth movements restore elasticity. Jerking injures tissue. The treatment returns to the initial stage. The process is slow, without loads and Olympic records.Each muscle group is worked out separately. The requirement is the absence of inflammation.

Therapeutic exercises

Injury to the back of the thigh occurs due to immobility. To restore tone, to avoid new breaks, the exercises will help:

1. Alternate amplitude kicks with the legs. Hold onto the support with your hand;
2. Smooth forward bends with gripping toes and biceps tension. Try to press against the limbs with your chest;
3. Sit down, touch the floor with your hands.Straighten your legs, do not tear your fingers off the surface. Make springy rolls. Slowly rise, stretch. Take your shoulders.

Strengthening the muscle frame is often practiced by resuscitators. Rebuilding a four-headed one is a particularly difficult task. It crosses two joints and is at risk of injury. The following actions will regain control over mobility:

• The muscles of the anterior surface are tense. Sitting on the floor with one leg bent and the other straight. Pull the toe towards you. Linger in the position for 5 minutes.
• Lying on your stomach, grab the ankle joint. The muscles of the inner surface are tense. Try to press your heels against your buttocks.
• Kneeling, bend back. Make even swaying. Try to keep a straight line.
• Get on your knees. Sit down slowly on the floor between your heels. Lean back, leaning on your hands.

The number of approaches depends on the condition of the ligaments. Stop movement in case of painful attacks. It is helpful to massage the limb in a circular motion.The warming effect is important. Ointments, creams, gels on a natural basis will come in handy.

Physiotherapy is represented in many directions. The best treatments will be recommended by your doctor.

Darsonvalization. Exposure to high-frequency currents changes the physical and technical parameters of tissues. The treatment is applied topically. Feels a slight tingling sensation. Inflammatory foci resolve. The performance of the muscles increases. Treatment – 12 procedures, 12 min.

Magnetotherapy. Local magnetic fields are effective in chronic sepsis, edema.Accelerate the healing of scars, maintain the elasticity of the ligaments. The duration of the session is about 40 minutes. Course of 15 procedures.

Ultrasonic exposure. The interaction of ultrasound with biological tissues develops a compensatory-restorative response. It has an antispasmodic effect. “Welding machine” of soft tissues. To enhance pain relief, hip sprain is treated with analgin phonophoresis.

Prevention of sprains

In order not to wonder how to cure a muscle strain in the leg, it is necessary to adhere to some preventive measures.Doctors record a large number of sprains during the icy period. To protect yourself you will need:

1. On slippery surfaces, you must walk correctly. Walk in small steps, bend your legs slightly at the knees. At the same time, raise your legs minimally.
2. It is important to choose the right footwear with good soles. Soles with protectors are well protected from slipping. It should combine a small drawing with a large ornament.
3. Don’t wear heels. Or give preference to thick and stable heels, wedges no more than 5 cm.
4. Do not choose platform shoes as they interfere with cushioning when moving.
5. Use additional anti-slip sole pads.

In addition to all of the above, warm-up and warming up exercises are important when playing sports. Without preparation, muscles are not ready for stress, due to which stretching occurs.