Definition
Definition
A toe sprain is caused by a partial tear of the ligaments that support a toe. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other.
Causes
Causes
Toe sprains may be caused by:
- Excessive tension
- Trauma
The Toes (Phalanges) of the FootCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of getting a toe sprain include:
- Stubbing your toe into something when walking barefoot or while wearing sandals
- Stopping suddenly when running, causing a toe to jam into the end of your shoe
- Landing awkwardly from a jump, causing a toe to jam into the end of your shoe
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Sports such as:
- Football
- Soccer
- Rugby
- Basketball
- Running
- Wearing inappropriate footwear for an activity
- Dancing
- Poor coordination
- Rough ground
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness in the toe
- Pain when moving the toe
- Swelling and bruising of the toe
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and how you injured your toe. Your toe will be examined to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury.
Images may need to be taken of your toe. This can be done with:
Toe sprains are graded according to ligament damage. The more ligaments damaged, the more severe the injury.
Grade 1
Some microtearing of ligament tissue
Grade 2
- Partial tearing of ligament tissue
- Mild instability of the joint
Grade 3
- Severe or complete tearing of ligament tissue
- Significant instability of the joint
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment includes:
Self-care
You will need time to heal, but strict rest is rarely necessary. RICE therapy is often advised:
- Rest—Avoid using the injured toe. Go about your normal activities as much as you can tolerate.
- Ice—Ice may help decrease swelling and pain in the first few days after the injury.
- Compression—Compression of the toe with an elastic bandage may help to control swelling.
- Elevation—Keep the injured foot raised above the level of your heart to help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Consider wearing a shoe with a stiff sole to help protect the injured toe.
Medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter pain medications may be advised.
Topical pain medications, such as creams, patches, can also be applied to the skin.
Prevention
Prevention
Often, toe sprains cannot be prevented. However, to reduce your risk of getting a sprained toe, wear stiff-soled athletic shoes when playing sports.
Proper treatment of toe sprains can help prevent long-term complications or problems with the toe joint, such as misalignment and immobility.
RESOURCES:
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine http://www.sportsmed.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Podiatric Medical Association http://www.podiatrycanada.org
References:
http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/overview/Pages/Adult-Foot-Health.aspx
Accessed June 22, 2015.
Churchill SR, Donley BG. Managing injuries of the great toe. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1998;26:29.
Mullen JE. O’Malley MJ. Sprains—residual instability of subtalar, Lisfranc joints, and turf toe. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2004;23(1):97-121.
Pommering TL. Ankle and foot injuries in pediatric and adult athletes. Prim Care. 2005; 32(1):133-161.
Sports injuries. National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at:
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sports_Injuries/default.asp
Published November 2013. Accessed June 22, 2015.
10/26/2010 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
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Massey T, Derry S, Moore R, McQuay H. Topical NSAIDs for acute pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;(6):CD007402.
Last Updated: 6/22/2015