Sprained Toe

Can you Sprain your Toe?

Yes, it is possible to sprain your toe. A ligament attaches a bone to a bone, and if it becomes overstretched, it can lead to a tear in the ligament. When this occurs in the toes of the foot, it is known as a Sprained Toe.

Sprained Toe Symptoms

The symptoms of a sprained toe include pain, redness and swelling of the joint of the toe. This can occur in any of the joints of the toes of the foot, but it is more common in the big and little toes.

Symptoms are often worse when the toes are extended, walking, running or if direct pressure is applied to the affected ligament.

Sprained Toe Treatment

Home treatment for a sprained toe includes rest, ice and compression. The compression can help reduce toe swelling, while ice is an analgesic.

Physical Therapy is an effective treatment method involving taping, insoles, advice on footwear, stretches, stability and strengthening exercises.

Tape is highly effective at reducing pain levels by limiting the amount of extension of the joint, which is the primarily aggravating movement for a sprained toe. A Sprained Toe brace can also be used to limit the movement of the affected toe.

Insoles can bed as a medium to long-term solution to reduce the amount placed on the affected joint, while stiff running shoes are a good alternative.

Stretching, stability and strengthening exercises can help to address any biomechanical causes of a sprained toe and are highly effective at injury reduction for athletes.

How Long does a Sprained Toe Take to Heal?

Depending on the severity of a Sprained Toe, it can take 4-12 weeks to heel. A mildly sprained toe can heal within 4 weeks with the correct management, while a severely sprained toe takes up to 12 weeks to heal.

Sprained Toe vs Broken Toe

A Sprained Toe is a tear to the ligament of the joint of the toe, whereas a Broken Toe is a fracture of the toe’s bone. A sprained toe is primarily painful when taking the joint into hyperextension, while a broken toe is painful with all toe movements. A simple x-ray is an effective scan to rule out a broken toe.

What does a Sprained Toe look like?

A Sprained Toe is red and swollen immediately after injury, while within 24-48 hours, it is likely to become bruised around the joint and the toe itself.

Can you walk on a sprained toe?

Yes, you can continue to walk on a Sprained Toe. Limit your walks to 10-15 minutes, and wear stiff shoes alongside a sprained toe brace or taping to limit the irritation.

Can I run with a sprained toe?

We do not recommend that your run with a Sprained Toe, as it will likely worsen the symptoms and slow the recovery time.

Can you exercise with a Sprained Toe?

Yes, you can exercise with a Sprained Toe, and we recommend carrying out a non-impact activity such as swimming or cycling for cardiovascular exercise.