Toe Sprain

Definition

Causes

Risk Factors

Toe Sprain

by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

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

Toe sprains may be caused by:

Too much tension
Trauma

The Toes (Phalanges) of the Foot

Risk Factors

Here are some factors that may raise your risk:

Stubbing your toe into something when walking barefoot or while wearing sandals
Stopping quickly 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
Sports such as:
- Football
- Soccer
- Rugby
- Basketball
- Running
Wearing the wrong footwear for an activity
Dancing
Poor coordination
Rough ground

Symptoms

This problem may result in:

Pain and tenderness in the toe
Pain when moving the toe
Swelling and bruising

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and how you injured your toe. Your toe will be checked to find out if it is stable and how badly it is injured.

Pictures may need to be taken of your toe. This can be done with:

Toe sprains are graded from 1 to 3.

Grade 1

Some microtearing of ligament

Grade 2

Partial tearing of ligament
Mild instability of the joint

Grade 3

Severe or complete tearing of ligament
Significant instability of the joint

Treatment

Treatment includes:

Self-care

You will need time to heal, but strict rest is rarely needed. RICE therapy is often advised:

R est—Avoid using the toe. Go about your normal activities as much as you are able.
I ce—Ice may help reduce swelling and pain in the first few days after the injury.
C ompression—Compression of the toe with an elastic bandage may help to control swelling.
E levation—Keep the 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 toe.

Medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and over-the-counter pain medicines may be advised.

Topical pain medicines, such as creams and patches, can also be put on the skin.

Prevention

Often, toe sprains can’t be prevented. However, to reduce your risk of getting a sprained toe, wear stiff-soled athletic shoes when playing sports.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
http://www.aapmr.org

American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.sportsmed.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

British Columbia Association of Podiatrists
http://www.foothealth.ca

Canadian Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.podiatrycanada.org

References:

Adult foot health. The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed May 11, 2016.

Chauvin NA, Jaimes C, Khwaja A. Ankle and foot injuries in the young athlete. Sem Musculoskelet Radiol.2018;22(1):104-117

Churchill SR, Donley BG. Managing injuries of the great toe. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1998;26:29.

Derry S, Moore RA, Gaskell H, McIntyre M, Wiffen PJ. Topical NSAIDs for acute musculoskeletal pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2015;(6):CD007402.

Du P, Chen K, Patterson D, Ranade S. The pediatric ankle and foot: a review of common injuries in the pediatric athlete and their treatments. Annals of Joints.2018;(3):35-46.

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:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Published February 28, 2016. Accessed June 11, 2018.

Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Laura Lei-Rivera, PT, DPT, GCS
Last Updated: 6/22/2015

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