Can you move your toes if you tore a ligament?

Sprained toes are often tender and painful, but it is still possible to move them. The toes contain joints that enable a person to walk, run, jump, and do other activities. Bands of tissues called ligaments surround each toe joint. Ligaments connect the bones in the toes and allow these digits to move.

Can you still walk on a torn ligament?

The quick answer is yes, typically you can walk with a torn ligament or tendon in the foot. Walking may be painful but you can typically still walk. For example, the Posterior Tibialis Tendon runs down the back of the shin, behind the middle bump of the ankle (medial malleolus) and to the bottom of the foot.

How do I know if my toe injury is serious?

See a doctor if:
  1. the toe is very swollen.
  2. the pain is severe and does not go away after several hours.
  3. it is difficult to walk or to put weight on the foot.
  4. the toenail falls off or the area around it is very swollen.
  5. there are signs of infection around the toenail, such as itching, redness, and pus.

How does a torn ligament feel?

A torn ligament can result in varying degrees of pain and discomfort, depending on the extent of the injury. It may produce heat, extensive inflammation, popping or cracking noises, severe pain, instability within the joint and an inability to put weight or pressure on the joint.

Can you tear a ligament in your toe?

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones together in joints. If you have a sprained toe, it means one of the ligaments in your toe is torn or stretched. A sprained toe is different from a broken toe, which is an injury to a bone, not a ligament.

Can ligament tear heal itself?

Beware the fully torn ligament

A fully torn ligament, or grade 3 tear, can cause chronic pain and joint instability. Complete tears rarely heal naturally. Since there’s a disconnect between the tissue and any chance of blood supply, surgery is needed.

How long does a torn ligament in foot take to heal?

Most minor-to-moderate injuries will heal within 2 to 4 weeks. More severe injuries, such as injuries that need a cast or splint, will need a longer time to heal, up to 6 to 8 weeks. The most serious injuries will need surgery to reduce the bone and allow the ligaments to heal. The healing process can be 6 to 8 months.

How do you treat a torn ligament in your foot?

Treatments
  1. Rest. You may need to take a break from any activities that put pressure on the injured tendon.
  2. Ice. Cold packs may help to reduce pain and swelling. …
  3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID). …
  4. Brace or cast. …
  5. Orthotics. …
  6. Steroid (cortisone) injections. …
  7. Exercise and physical therapy. …
  8. Surgery.

Do you need surgery for a torn ligament in your foot?

Sprains of the midfoot — called a Lisfranc injury — can often be treated successfully with non-surgical techniques as well. But in more serious cases, ligament repair surgery may be recommended. You may be a good candidate for ligament surgery if you: Experience chronic pain in your foot and ankle.

Is heat good for torn ligaments?

During the first 3 days after the injury, your doctor may recommend applying ice to your knee 3 times a day for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. After this, applying a heating pad or another heat source, such as a heat wrap, can increase blood flow to the injured area and speed healing.

What is the fastest way to heal a torn ligament in your foot?

  1. Rest. Keep the injured foot in one place, and avoid shaking or putting pressure on it. …
  2. Ice the foot. Place ice on the affected foot to prevent or alleviate pain and swelling. …
  3. Compress. Wrap the injured foot in a compression bandage to prevent swelling. …
  4. Elevate. …
  5. Use splints. …
  6. Get shoe inserts.

Do Xrays show torn ligaments?

X-rays do NOT show tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage or blood vessels. X-rays typically show bones and joints, and may, at times, show the absence of skin (e.g. infection).

Can you walk on torn ankle ligaments?

Can You Walk with a Torn Ligament in Your Ankle? Yes, you can usually walk with a torn ligament thanks to the other ligaments and supporting structures, but you may feel a lot of pain and a sensation of weakness and instability as you walk.

How do you know if you have a torn tendon in your foot?

Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Foot

Swelling and bruising will occur at the site of injury. Pain and tenderness are concentrated on the top, bottom or the sides of your foot near the arch. Pain intensifies when walking or during other physical activity. Inability to bear weight on the injured foot.

How do you tell if a tendon is torn or strained?

Ruptured Tendon Symptoms
  1. A snap or pop you hear or feel.
  2. Severe pain.
  3. Rapid or immediate bruising.
  4. Marked weakness.
  5. Inability to use the affected arm or leg.
  6. Inability to move the area involved.
  7. Inability to bear weight.
  8. Deformity of the area.

What test shows tendons and ligaments?

MRI and ultrasound are powerful tools for the assessment of tendons and ligaments. The imaging appearances are related to the structure of the normal tendon and the changes that occur in disease.