How to Heal Ligaments in the Toe
Toe ligament damage usually occurs when there is a sprain to either the big (most common) toe or one of the others through sports, walking barefoot, landing awkwardly from a jump or by falling. According to the department of pediatrics at Langone Medical Center in their article "Toe Sprains", there are three grades of ligament damage during toe sprains: Micro tear, partial tear, severe or complete tear. The latter may require surgery or need setting. Most toe ligaments can be treated with a combination of rest, immobilization, ice, heat and medications.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Ice
- Ice pack or towel
- Ibuprofen
- Elastic compression bandage (2 inches)
- Stiff-soled shoes
Instructions
-
Treatments
-
1
Refrain from any physical activity that involves your toes after injuring any toe ligaments. When you do need to be mobile, wrap a 2 inch elastic compression bandage twice around your big toe, then once around the rest of your toes to prevent additional swelling. Secure with the metal clip.
-
2
Take two ibuprofen pills every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Elevate your feet if possible as this can help control pain and inflammation in addition to taking ibuprofen. If your pain is more severe, ask your doctor to prescribe a stronger pain pill or a muscle relaxant.
-
-
3
Put ice in an ice pack or towel immediately. Compress the pack directly against your toe for 15 to20 minutes. Repeat a couple of times daily.
-
4
Protect your feet with stiff sole shoes when you exercise or engage in other physical activities.
-
5
Once your inflammation has subsided a bit (after several days), you should consider rubbing it gently or taking a hot bath with your toe submerged. This will permit occasional blood flow to the toe ligament which brings the necessary oxygen and nutrients (i.e. vitamin C) for healing.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Stay off your affected toe as much as possible.
Wear your elastic band to sleep at night so you do not accidentally bend your toe with sheets or blankets.
Ice causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) and controls inflammation and consequential pain by limiting the flow of blood and lymph to your toe.
Avoid walking bare foot around the house.
Even tiny movement of the toe can exacerbate your ligament strain and possible tear it more.
Never apply ice directly to your skin as this can cause frost bite.
