Is it Possible to Have a Sprained Toe?

A big toe sprain is a foot injury that can happen to anyone. There are different causes of the sprained toe such as a sporting activity or stubbing of the toe. It is the torn ligaments that hinder daily activities with pain and discomfort. Ligaments connect the bones in the toe and allow the toe to move. When these ligaments are torn or damaged, the condition is known as a sprain. Consult a podiatrist if you think you have a sprained toe to diagnose the severity of the injury and get a proper treatment plan.

The condition is divided into three:

Mild sprain – It heals within two weeks.

Moderate sprain – The ligaments may be partially torn and the toe is unstable. The healing time can extend to five weeks.

Severe sprain – Takes longer than six weeks and requires at most care.

The difference between a sprained toe and a broken toe

A sprained toe is the injury of the ligaments around the toe. The toe is painful though it remains functional. It means you can walk on a sprained toe and hold your body weight. Sprained toe symptoms include tenderness with throbbing pain while moving the toes.

A broken toe has a fractured bone with a limited range of motion and the inability to move. The toe is bruised and swollen. It hurts when walking while the swelling persists for some days without any improvement. You may experience burning sensations.

Causes of a sprained toe

The sprain results from accidents and injuries that stretch or bend the toe beyond its natural range. Some causes include:

• The toe gets caught on something while running or walking can cause a twist or overstretching.
• A stubbing toe on the ground overextends the toe under the foot.
• Tripping while running or walking causes the toe to bend below the foot or downward.

Sprained toe treatment

Most of the time a sprained toe can get better with home care especially mild sprains that may not have any torn ligaments. The treatment involves the RICE technique.

Rest – Avoid activities that caused the sprain or activities that hurt the sprained toe. Try to rest the foot as much as possible until you feel better.

Ice – Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.

Compression – Taping the sprained toe can be helpful. Use buddy wrap, a medical tape, and make sure that it is firm but not tight. Tape the toe with extra support and stability.

Elevation – Put the foot up off the floor to relieve pain and swelling. It also aids in healing.

Pain relievers – It is advisable to use pain relievers to reduce pain and inflammation. Taking the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should be advised by a doctor especially for people who have health conditions.

For a severe sprain, get extra help from a podiatrist.  Big toe sprains are uncommon, when they happen, they must be treated right. Contact DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center’s Ejodamen Shobowale if you need your feet checked. Our doctor can give you the treatment you need to stay pain-free and back on your feet.