Toe Sprain

A Toe Sprain is partial tearing of the ligaments that support a toe. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that connect bones to each other.

Causes

Toe Sprains may be caused by:
  • Stubbing your toe into something when walking barefoot
  • 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

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease condition or injury.
  • Sports such as:
    • Football
    • Soccer
    • Rugby
    • Basketball
    • Running
  • Dancing
  • Poor coordination
  • Rough ground

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Pain and tenderness in the toe
  • Pain when moving the toe
  • Swelling and bruising of the toe

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your toe. The doctor will examine your toe to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury.
Tests may include:
  • X-rays – to make sure that no bones are broken
  • MRI scan – to see if a ligament has torn completely (rarely needed)
Toe Sprains are graded according to ligament damage. In addition, the more ligaments damaged the more severe the injury. Grade1
  • 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 includes:
Rest – Avoid using the injured toe.
Ice – Apply ice or a cold pack to your toe for 15-20 minutes, 4 times a day for 2 to 3 days or until the pain goes away. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
Compression – If the injured toe is the big toe, wrap a 2-inch elastic compression bandage around it. Put several wraps around the big toe and then include the rest of the forefoot within the bandage. This will limit swelling of your big toe. Other toes cannot be effectively compressed with a bandage.
Elevation – Keep the injured foot raised above the level of your heart for 48 hours (such as up on a pillow). This will help drain fluid and reduce swelling.
Medication – Take one of the following drugs to help reduce inflammation and pain:
  • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Aspirin
Protection – Wear a shoe with a stiff sole to help protect the injured toe.

Prevention

Toe sprains generally cannot be prevented.