Sprained Toe

What is a Sprained Toe?

A sprain is an injury to the ligament. And the ligament is the tissue that connects bones in joints together. A sprained toe and a broken toe are two different injuries. A sprained toe occurs to a ligament and a broken toe to a bone.

Each toe, except the big toe, has three joints. First, there is the metatarsophalangeal joint, which is where the toe meets the foot. Then, there is the proximal interphalangeal joint, which is located in the middle of your toe. Thirdly, there is the distal phalangeal joint, which is the joint closest to your toe.

Now, we also have a big toe sprain. This toe contains a metatarsophalangeal joint and an interphalangeal joint. Although any joints in the toes can be sprained, the big toe and additional toes have a different number of joints.

Symptoms of a Toe Sprain

First off, depending on the severity will also determine the symptoms. However, the main symptoms include:

Toe pain, often in the entire toe or even the area around it
Swelling & tenderness
Bruising
Joint instability
Trouble moving your toe

Sometimes, we also hear a pop when a strain occurs. This is especially true if the sprain is severe.

Sprained Toe Causes

A toe sprain occurs when an injury results in trauma or hyperextension of the toe. Traumatic injuries typically involve hitting your toe on something, such as a hard surface. Then, hyperextension occurs when you extend your joint beyond its normal range of motion. Therefore, this can occur when getting stuck on something while the rest of your foot continues to move forward.

Treatment for a Toe Sprain

Diagnosis

In order to treat a sprained ankle, it must first be diagnosed. You must see a doctor in order for this to be done. Be sure to tell your physician how you believe the sprain occurred. Therefore, this will help the doctor figure out the area that needs to be examined and the severity.

Based on the exam, your physician will most likely order imaging tests. Additionally, a foot x-ray is a good place to start. Then, the physician can determine if the toe is broken.

There are three different classifications of a sprain. The classifications will determine the severity of the sprain, such as:

Grade 1: Minor tearing the ligament. Minor tearing aka micro-tearing.

Grade 2: Ligament has a partial tear. Therefore, you have mild joint stability.

Grade 3: The ligament is severely or completely torn. Therefore, having significant joint instability.

How a Sprained Toe is Treated

Mild sprains normally do not require medical attention. Sometimes, tapping the injury though is best to beep the ligament stable as it heals. Any type of tape on hand will do, or you can purchase special tape online.

Now, taping works for grade 1- grade 3 sprains, however, for extra protection a walking boot is a good idea. Always check with your doctor first though.

Follow these steps to reduce pain and swelling:

Rest as much as possible
Apply cold compresses for 15-20 minutes, several times a day.
Elevate your foot
Take an over the counter anti-inflammatory
Only wear shoes with a stiff sole or padding to protect the toe.

Toe sprains can be painful. And majorly frustrating, especially if you are an athlete. Most people, recover within a few weeks without long-term health problems. Although it’s important to get plenty of rest to ensure proper healing.

If you are experiencing a sprained toe, call us at 888-409-8006. It’s always a good idea to get a sprain checked out. People often mistake a sprain for a small tear or break.