Common injuries particular for those engaging in athletic activities, sprained toes are excruciating inconveniences. While one might still be able to move their sprained toe and walk, it is still important to see a podiatrist to make sure the injury heals properly. Culver City foot doctor Dr. J. Leonard Knudson, DPM can assess and treat foot injuries such as sprained toes and to help patients recover promptly and return to their ordinary activities.
Toe Sprains, Strains and Fractures
Sprained toes entail injuries of the toe ligaments, the bands of connective tissue keeping joints stable. These injuries occur when the digit is moved in the wrong way. Some sprains are worse than others, there are several grades of strains and recovery should be planned accordingly.
Grade 1 sprains mean that the ligament remains intact but has been stretched too much. Movement will be regained in a few days.
Grade 2 sprains mean that there is a partial tear of the ligament, which will require around 8 weeks of rest and recovery.
Grade 3 sprains are completely torn ligaments that may take six months to heal.
Strains, on the other hand, are muscle and tendon injuries that hurt but do not involve ligaments.
Fractures directly impact the toe bones and also come in different severity levels, from minor hairline fractures to more serious breaks that result in misaligned fragments that require surgery. Note that toe fractures can occur along with sprains.
Sprained toe symptoms include pain especially during walking, difficulty in moving the toe, as well as swelling, throbbing or tenderness.
Sprained Toe Treatment at Culver City
After a thorough exam to determine the cause of the injury and rule out fractures, patients will be given a healing plan. The key involves RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Over the counter pain relievers can also address the discomfort. Non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen are ideal. For more severe injuries, all pressure on the toe should be avoided otherwise the injury won't heal. This will require walking boots or crutches.
Healing may take several weeks or months but the Culver City foot doctor is there every step of the way to ensure patients recover prompt and return to their normal activities without pain or discomfort.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. J. Leonard Knudson - a Culver City Foot Doctor for treatment.
Dr. J. Leonard Knudson is a Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Culver City and near West Los Angeles. We also tend to patients from nearby - UCLA, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Venice, Santa Monica and the West Los Angeles area.
Associated Foot Care Clinic, Inc.
A Podiatrist Group. Since 1982. Foot and Ankle Specialists.
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm