Carse, who has become a key player for England over the winter, sustained the injury through the repeated impact of his front foot hitting the crease while bowling.
It was thought he might need plastic surgery on the issue after he left the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but it was eventually decided it would be best served by extended rest.
Foot injuries are not uncommon with fast bowlers and many cut holes in their boots to prevent issues, though that is usually to protect the big toe.
In 2007, New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram said he would cut off his finger if it meant he could play at the World Cup – an operation that never materialised – while the late father of Carse’s Durham and England team-mate Ben Stokes, Ged, had part of his finger removed to prolong his rugby league career.
Instead, Carse changed to a narrower boot, got new insoles and cut a different hole into his footwear.
“It is a bit of a running joke in the changing room, my second toe,” Carse said.
“For a period of about six to eight weeks, I was on three or four different courses of antibiotics.
“Eventually the wound was that deep that it ultimately needed a period of time just to heal up and close up.
“Fingers crossed everything we’ve done over the last six to eight weeks seems to be working.”
Carse made his Test debut in Pakistan last October but is already viewed as one of England’s frontline fast bowlers after taking 27 wickets in five Tests.
He had to withdraw from a £100,000 contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and did not play for Durham in the County Championship until late May because of the toe problems, but played in all three of the recent one-day internationals against West Indies as England secured a 3-0 series win.
After missing the one-off Test against Zimbabwe last month because of his toe, he was included in England’s squad for the first Test against India announced on Thursday.
He will also feature in the first of three T20s against West Indies at his home ground of Chester-le-Street on Friday, as England look to continue their unbeaten start under new captain Harry Brook.
