This March is simply a great month to be a sports fan. Baseball teams are heading to spring training. The NBA season hasn’t been this entertaining in ages. The NCAA basketball tournaments are about to erupt. Major League Soccer kicked off the season on March 6 and is in full swing with games every weekend. No matter which sport or who your team is, all fans have a common hope: their favorite team doesn’t lose players to an injury like a big toe sprain!

A big toe sprain is often referred to as “turf toe.” The injury happens when you bend your big toe too far upwards and sprain the ligaments around the metatarsophalangeal joint (where the toe meets the foot). This can happen in any sport or activity where you push off the ground with great force, like when you run or jump.

When you are recovering from turf toe it is important not to rush the process. It will take time for your toe to heal and that’s normal. Returning to action too soon afterward will only increase the chance of the injury causing a chronic condition.

You can begin the recovery process by utilizing the following steps:

  • Rest – Cut back on your level of activity and do not participate in anything that requires running or jumping. The less pressure on your toe, the better.
  • Ice – Apply ice to your sprained toe several times during the day for about 15 minutes at a time. This will help to minimize pain and swelling in the area.
  • Elevation – Another tactic to reduce pain and swelling is to elevate the impacted foot above your heart level for 2-3 hours during the day. If possible, prop your foot up on pillows to keep it elevated while you sleep at night.
  • Make an appointment with our office. Consult the Nassau County podiatrist who wants to help you get better quickly but safely.

Big toe sprains and other injuries are not limited to those who play sports at the collegiate and professional levels. When you experience pain and swelling in your big toe, come see the caring professionals at Foot Specialists of Long Island. Our Massapequa, NY office will administer the treatment you need to get back on the field in the shortest time possible. Call us at (516) 804-9038 or use our online form to request an appointment today!

Photo credit: digitalart via freedigitalphotos.net

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