What is a sprained toe?
A sprained toe is a relatively common condition characterized by damage or tearing of the connective tissue (such as ligaments, cartilage and joint capsule) of one or more toe joints. Each of the toes (except the big toe) comprises of 3 small bones known as phalanges. The big toe only comprises of 2 phalanges. These small bones join to each other at the IP joints (Interphalangeal Joints) and to the bones of the mid foot (metatarsals) at the MTP joints (metatarsophalangeal joints). As a result, the big toe has 2 joints, whilst the remaining toes each have 3 joints (figure 1). Each of these joints comprises of strong connective tissue wrapping around the bony ends and cartilage which lies between the joint surfaces, cushioning the impact of one bone on another during activity. During certain movements of the toes, stretching or compression forces are placed on the toe joints. If these forces are excessive due to too much repetition or high force, injury to the joints may occur. This may
