Broken toes

[JCRD]

I know we arent supposed to kick with the toes but after a heavy sparring session they usually seem to connect with someones stray knee or hip

ive had this problem several times where i think i might have broken both big toes on each foot

i know this because i have broken my toe before and it feels exactly the same, the docs dont really do much for a broken toe just tell you to keep off it as much as you can


my question is
what can be done to prevent this
nobody in my class wrap their feet only their hands, and to be honest i cant see how a bit of cloth wrapped around could stop this from happening, although i could be wrong

anyone had this before and what can i do to prevent it?

[JkD187]

if you dont want to wear any protective padding then i really dont see any other ways then to either wear tape round it or wear instep guards.Im sure you already know this but if you take a skip or step into a thai kick it helps land the shin beter.

[JCRD]

sorry forgot to say that i do wear full protective gear including shin guards with instep


i do land my kicks properly with the shins but there are occasions where the foot does come in to contact with the hips knees etc

[JkD187]

its cool....it happens from time to time and there is really not much you can do bout it i guess or not aNY ways that i know of at least sorry bro.Its like getting hit in the face....even though you know what to do you still get hit.

[Khun Kao]

There are certain styles of shin/instep guards that have a more "full" cover for the top of the foot, rather than simply covering the instep itself. Fairtex brand comes to mind....

However, one of the most important factors is kicking technique. You absolutely MUST point your toes and 'lock it out' in that position when you kick. If you do not have it flexed out that way, you are bound to hurt yourself.

I realize we're talking about toes, not your ankles which is the typical problem area when someones toes aren't pointed, but catching with your toes not being fully pointed can damage them as well.

[marino13]

The biggest problem is not from peoples round kick, but from the front kick or teep. Thats where most of the toes get broke. either from an elbow block or a knee.

Rich

[Garland]

...I am SOOOOO happy I've never had that problem.
Ankle injuries...however...ugh!
Damn, not even a hit, I remember putting my foot down hard awkwardly after throwing a curve knee training prummb and twisting, completely inverting my ankle.

That hurt. I've only ever suffered minor cuts, chipped teeth, took a chunk out of my shin, and the ankle injury training.

My tip is...try to land with the upper part of the shin for awhile, almost like a de' khao (knee/kick).
Land your kicks on the top third of your shin until you get your distancing right...just overexaggerate the movement, until you really get comfortable.
A pole bag is great for this...banana bag less so...thai pads...probably the worst, because the change in mechanics will most likely cause your kicks to glance off the pads.

[chalambok]

My instructor taught me the key to preventing this is to not aim your kick until you are about 16" from the target. Then, if you see you are getting there late, you kick below his shin block and break his ankle/foot/toe. Or you kick above the block to the head or neck. Conversely, if you are early and can reach the hole in the block before it closes, you go for the short rib/stomach. That is if you are attempting a round kick. For foot jabs you practice shifting by targetting the insides or outsides of the thigh when the block comes up. He told me this over 20 years ago and I have a difficult time doing this, obviously...lol I truly admire a teacher who believes in you enough to convince you somehow that if he can do it you can do it. I also appreciate, from an instructor's point-of-view, the sidestepping of the question by changing the tactics/strategy. Now is time for you to begin your learning of the art. Remember, although muay Thai is called the 8-arm art, the 9th weapon is your brain, where all the secret techniques reside.

[Abe]

seen couple of guys in gym wrapping and toes together with electric tape(not sure), like two toes together, don't know if that helps, never tried it myself.