Overview

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
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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

SymptomsandDiagnosis

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:

  • X-rays
  • MRI scan

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

Treatments

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.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.

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: http://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/overview/Pages/Adult-Foot-Health.aspx. 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: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health%5FInfo/Sports%5FInjuries/default.asp. Published February 28, 2016. Accessed June 11, 2018.