How to Treat Soccer Toe

Soccer toe causes severe pain in the first joint of the big toe. Athletes get it when they bear all their weight on one toe as they push off to chase the ball. It may take up to a week to heal.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Adhesive Bandages
• Aspirins
• First Aid Kits
• Splint
• Warm Compresses
• Athletic Tapes
• Ice Packs

1. Rest the toe for a few days. Walk on it only when necessary for the first 24 hours after the injury.
2. Elevate the foot to the level of the chest. Place a pillow under the heel.
3. Apply ice around the toe and the upper part of the foot, 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off, for two days, if the pain is moderate to severe. Ice constricts blood vessels, which helps to decrease swelling and bruising.
4. Splint the toe into position to keep the toe in a straight and normal alignment.
5. Take acetaminophen for pain.
6. Apply warm compresses to the toe after 48 hours. Heat dilates blood vessels and provides increased circulation to the injured toe.
7. Remove the splints after the first 48 hours. If the toe felt better when it was splinted, wrap surgical tape or a 1-inch ace bandage around the toe to steady and support it.

Tips & Warnings

• Crushed ice works better than ice cubes because the cold is more evenly dispersed.
• Don't put ice directly on skin. Always put ice into a bag or wrap in a towel. Ice against skin for a prolonged period of time will burn flesh.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.