Terry will lead England against Israel on Saturday in a key Euro 2008 qualifier in Group E, the build-up to which has been dominated by England's walking wounded.
"I can't train or play without one," Terry told BBC Radio. "Hopefully Stevie (Gerrard) won't have to have one, it's obviously better to play without having an injection, but I've got no option."
Central defender Terry said his little toe required permanent attention to keep him playing for Chelsea this season.
"It swells up and you ice it, you can't just go home and go to sleep. I stay up for four or five hours icing it every hour for 15 or 20 minutes to get the inflammation down.
"That's the only way I can get my toe back to normal for the next game. I've even got a hole cut in my boot to relieve the pressure on my little toe a bit.
"It's a short career and I don't want to miss one game for Chelsea or England. I don't even want to miss a day's training. Stevie loves showing his passion on the field as well and he will be desperate to play."
