General
There are two joints of the big toe. The metatarsophalangeal joint is the transition from the metatarsus to the big toe and the so-called interphalangeal joint, i.e. the joint between the two limbs of the big toe. If a ligament is torn, the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is usually affected. This joint, like any other joint, is surrounded by a joint capsule and is stabilized by ligaments.
Causes
The cause of a torn ligament is the execution of movements in a joint to an excessive extent. Most often these are jerky movements. Since the big toe is normally very mobile, a torn ligament usually occurs when the affected person hits a fixed object with his foot or gets stuck on an object with his big toe. As a result, the ligaments that stabilize the joint are overstretched and can tear. This can also happen when the foot is kicked, e.g. during sports.
Symptoms
A torn ligament of the big toe is immediately noticeable by severe pain. Swelling of the joint also occurs very briefly and indicates a torn ligament. A haematoma (bruise) may also occur if the damaged ligaments cause bleeding into the joint. However, this is not necessarily the case. The mobility of the joint is often limited and associated with very severe pain.
Diagnosis
A doctor must be consulted to diagnose a torn ligament of the big toe. The doctor tests the mobility and pain sensitivity of the toe through function tests, i.e. mainly movement tests. If there is suspicion of a fracture, an X-ray is taken to rule it out or confirm it.
Injury to the capsule would also be possible, as this causes similar symptoms. In order to be able to detect this, it is necessary to perform a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, soft tissues can be well depicted and any leaked joint fluid or damage to the ligamentous apparatus of the toe can be detected.
. As the therapy is similar in the case of a fracture or even a rupture of the capsule of the big toe, it is not necessarily necessary to carry out all diagnostic measures. If pain suddenly occurs in the area of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the toe, cooling should be applied immediately.
Either cold water or ice is suitable for this. However, ice should not be placed directly on the skin, as this can lead to frostbite of the skin. It should first be wrapped in a cloth.
By cooling the ice, the blood circulation in this area is stimulated. Therefore, the foot should be elevated and possibly a compression bandage should be applied to prevent excessive swelling caused by the influx of blood. If a torn ligament of the big toe is suspected, a doctor should be consulted to decide on further therapy.
As a rule, the doctor will apply a bandage to the big toe and possibly a splint as well. The toe should not be strained for 4 to 6 weeks, so no sports should be done during this time. Walking is normally still possible.