Big Toe Sprains

Last season, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love suffered a toe injury that prevented him from playing in several games. He reportedly underwent cartilage removal and drainage around the big toe on his left foot while slowly recovering. At Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates in Lorain, we take a special interest in helping athletes get back on their feet. We want our patients to understand why sprains in the big toe are a big deal and how patients can expect us to help.

Unlike the other toes, which have three joints, the big toe has two. The one at its base, the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), is a complex structure that includes ligaments on either side to prevent it from dislocating collaterally, as well as tissue below it so it doesn’t bend too far. When the MTP joint does hyperextend and rupture its ligaments, we call that “turf toe.” The patient will experience swelling, bruising, and instability.

Surgery is often not necessary for toe sprains if they are caught early. After implementing RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation) at the scene of the accident, the next treatments may be anti-inflammatory injections and temporary immobilization. However, if the cartilage was damaged or a sliver of bone chipped off, surgical removal of the deformed tissue may be necessary. If the free-floating bones of the big toe are dislocated or fractured, they will have to be put back into place or the foot won’t heal properly. Injured toes are likelier to become permanently stiff without intervention, which is why patients should always see us if a big toe injury is still painful after three days.

Doctors David J. Hintz and Michael A. Wenowitz run Integrity Foot & Ankle Associates at 1740 Cooper Foster Park Road #B, Lorain, Ohio, 44053. To schedule an appointment, visit Integrity Foot and Ankle or call 440-282-1221.