What Can Cause A Torn Tendon In The Big Toe?
Tendons connect muscle to bone. Tendons in the toes help an individual to ambulate and allow the feet to rotate, flex, and extend. Sometimes, due to trauma or overextension of the toes these tendons tear. Even a simple event like stubbing on the toe may cause a tendon in the Big Toe to tear. Bumping on the furniture can also cause a tendon to tear.
One of the most common causes for a tendon tear in the big toe is a condition called Turf Toe. This condition is caused due to excessive bending of the toes in the upward direction. This is usually seen in athletes who play on artificial turf as opposed to natural grass.
Tendons of the big toe can also get torn as a result of a toe fracture. Understanding the symptoms of a torn tendon in the big toe can help diagnose and formulate a treatment plan for this condition. Mentioned below are some of the symptoms of a torn tendon in the big toe.
What Are The Symptoms Of Torn Tendon In The Big Toe?
Pain: This is the primary presenting feature of a torn tendon in the big toe. The moment there is a rupture of the tendon the affected individual will feel intense pain in the toe region. The pain will be so intense that it would be difficult to even stand on the affected foot. Any pressure put on the affected foot will cause searing pain in the big toe region.
Swelling: Along with pain, there will be visible swelling in the area of the big toe as a result of the torn tendon. The swelling may be variable and depend on the extent of the injury. In mild cases of a torn tendon the swelling may be mild but in severe cases there will be significant swelling as a result of the torn tendon of the big toe.
Restricted Range of Motion: As a result of pain due to the torn tendon, the range of motion of the entire foot gets restricted. The affected individual will not be able to flex, extend or rotate the toes to any significant degree as a result of the torn tendon of the big toe.
Difficulty Ambulating: Due to the swelling and the searing pain that is caused due to a torn tendon in the big toe, the affected individual will not be able to walk. Any pressure in the affected foot will result in significant pain. The affected individual will have an abnormal gait as the individual will not be able to put any pressure ion the injured foot due to torn tendon of the big toe.
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons: “Turf Toe” – https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/turf-toe
- OrthoInfo: “Turf Toe” – https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/turf-toe
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