Midfoot Sprain Diagnosis & Treatment in Newport News, VA

Medically reviewed by Dr. Bryanna Vesely

The midfoot, which is the area across the top and bottom of your arch, is a complex structure of bones, ligaments and joints that work together to help maintain foot stability and flexibility. When these ligaments become overstretched or torn, a midfoot strain results. Patients suffering from a midfoot sprain can experience pain and tenderness, and find it difficult to walk or bear weight on the affected foot.

Causes of Midfoot Sprains

Midfoot sprains are often sports-related and occur when the body turns, but the foot remains firmly planted. This is a common injury among basketball and soccer players, gymnasts, dancers and divers where the foot is planted and the rest of the leg pivots. It also can occur in sports such as jockeys, windsurfers, and snowboarders where the foot is purposefully kept in a certain position.

Midfoot sprains can also occur as a result of slipping, tripping, or falling. If the foot is abnormally flexed or twisted, the ligaments can become overstretched or torn. Occasionally, midfoot sprains are the result of high-impact trauma, such as a car accident, someone forcefully stepping on the foot, or a heavy object falling on the foot.

Midfoot Sprain Symptoms

Midfoot sprain symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the injury. Mild sprains may present with minimal discomfort and swelling, while moderate to severe sprains can lead to intense pain, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the foot. Common symptoms include:

Pain and tenderness in the midfoot area
Swelling and bruising in the midfoot area
Difficulty walking or putting weight on the affected foot

Diagnosing Midfoot Sprains

A Foot & Ankle Specialist will conduct a physical examination to evaluate range of motion, check for areas of tenderness and swelling, and assess stability. X-rays are always taken to rule out any fractures of the midfoot area. Sometimes, more advanced imaging such as an MRI or CT is ordered to provide detailed images of the bones, ligaments and tendons to identify any tears or subtle breaks.

Treatment for Midfoot Sprains

Mild midfoot sprains usually heal within a few weeks, but more severe sprains may take months to heal fully. For a mild to moderate midfoot sprain, treatment typically includes over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, as well as regular icing and elevation. In some cases, a removable boot or brace may be recommended for immobilization. Physical therapy can also help restore flexibility, strength and range of motion in the affected foot, and prevent future injuries.

In severe cases of midfoot sprains, where conservative treatments have failed, surgery may be considered. Surgical options depend on the specific nature and severity of the injury and may involve repairing torn ligaments, realigning bones, or stabilizing the midfoot.