What is soccer toe?

Soccer toe or “turf toe” is a sprain of the ligaments around the joint of the big toe. It functions as a hinge for up and down movement.

Symptoms of soccer toe

Pain around the area of the toe
Pain with sudden bending of the toe
Popping sound when bending the toe too far
Stiffness of the joint of the toe
Tenderness and sensitivity around the joint of the toe
Swelling around the joint of the big toe
Take plenty of rest. Avoid performing activities that cause further irritations on the area and delay the healing.
Incapable of moving the toe around normally

Take plenty of rest. Avoid performing activities that cause further irritations on the area and delay the healing.
Apply ice on the affected toe. Put some ice cubes or crushed iced in a plastic bag. Wrap in a towel before placing to the area for at least 15-20 minutes to lessen the swelling and the pain.
Wear crutches to support the area and lessen the pain when moving around.
Apply alternately cold and heat on the area. After the cold compress, switch to a warm heat pack. It increases blood circulation in the area and for fast healing of the condition. Wrap a heating pad in a towel and place to the area for at least 20 minutes. After 20 minutes switch to cold compress to prevent the swelling. Repeat ice-heat therapy for several hours until symptoms are reduced.
Compress the affected foot using an elastic bandage wrapped around the area to lessen further pain and swelling and support the affected toe and ligaments. Avoid wrapping it too tight to prevent problems with circulation.
Elevate the area above the level of the heart for proper flow of blood, drain fluid and lessen the swelling. When lying down raise the area in couple of pillows to keep it elevated.
Prescribed over-the-counter pain medications to lessen the pain and the swelling.
Tape the injured toe while in the healing stage to prevent unnecessary movements and overextending of the ligaments.

When playing sports, wear stiff shoes with metal plates on the sole of the shoe to prevent bending of the toe too far.
Exercise the feet, bending the toes slowly and stretch the joints, muscles and ligaments in the foot before playing sports.

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