Toe Sprain
Toe Sprain
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionA 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 TOPToe sprains may be caused by:
Risk Factors TOPHere are some factors that may raise your risk:
Symptoms TOPThis problem may result in:
Diagnosis TOPYou 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 1Some microtearing of ligament Grade 2
Grade 3 TOP
Treatment TOPTreatment includes: Self-careYou will need time to heal, but strict rest is rarely needed. RICE therapy is often advised:
Consider wearing a shoe with a stiff sole to help protect the toe. MedicationNon-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 TOPOften, 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.
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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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