Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Toes are made up of small bones (called knuckles) that break easily from trauma. Most toe fractures are called "pressure" or "fracture" fractures, meaning that the fracture appears superficial and is not so severe that it dislodges or tears the skin. In more rare cases, the toe may be clenched to the point where the bone is broken (broken) or broken to the point of completely dislodging and protruding the skin (open fracture). Understanding the severity of the toe injury is important as it determines your treatment regimen.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: Diagnosis

1. 

   Make an appointment with your doctor. If you have a sudden toe pain after an injury that doesn't get better after a few days, you should make an appointment with your GP, or go to the emergency department of your local hospital, or go to an emergency center that offers a scan X-ray when symptoms are severe. Your doctor will examine your toe and foot, ask about the situation that caused the injury, and may order an X-ray to determine the severity of the injury and the type of fracture. However, your GP is not a musculoskeletal specialist, so you may be referred to a specialist.
   • The most common symptoms of a broken toe are pain, swelling, stiffness, and often bruising due to internal bleeding. Walking is difficult, and running or jumping is almost impossible because of the intense pain.
   • Other specialists that can help diagnose and / or treat a broken toe include a osteoarthritis specialist, a podiatrist, a physical therapist or emergency room and emergency doctor.

2. 

   
   
   See a specialist. Fractures, batches, and bruises are not considered serious medical conditions, but a crushed or open fracture and dislocation often require surgical intervention, especially a big toe wound. A medical professional such as a osteoarthritis doctor or a physiotherapist (a muscle and bone specialist) can more accurately assess the severity of the fracture and recommend appropriate treatment. Broken toes are sometimes linked to conditions that affect and weaken bones such as bone cancer, bone infection, osteoporosis or complications related to diabetes, so medical professionals must consider these factor that when examining your toes.
   • A specialist can use X-rays, bone scans, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography and ultrasound to aid in diagnosing a broken toe.
   • A broken toe is usually caused by a heavy object falling on the foot or the toe being tripped on a hard, motionless object.

3. 

   
   
   Understand the type of fracture and the most appropriate treatment. Be sure to ask your doctor for a clear explanation of the diagnosis (including the type of fracture) and the treatment options, as simple fractures can usually be treated at home, but broken, bent toes or deformity is often a sign of a more serious fracture and is best treated by a specialist.
   • The little toe (fifth finger) and the big toe (first) are more often broken than the other toes.
   • The wrong joint can cause the toe to curl and look like a fracture, but physical examination and X-rays will help distinguish the two.
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Part 2 of 4: Treatment of stress fractures and not mismatches

1. 

   
   
   Use treatment regimen R.I.C.E. The most effective treatment regimen for musculoskeletal injuries (including stress fractures) is abbreviated with the English letters R.I.C.E, i.e. rest - rest, ice - apply ice, compression - compression tape and elevation - raise. The first step is rest. Temporarily stop all activities related to your sore toe to heal the wound. Then, use cold therapy (ice wrapped in a thin towel or frozen gel bag) on ​​the broken toe as soon as possible to prevent internal bleeding and reduce swelling, preferably with your feet high on a chair or on top. pile pillows (this also helps reduce swelling). Ice should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every hour, then reduce the frequency as pain and swelling subside for a few days. Squeezing your feet with a pressure bandage or an elastic band will also help reduce swelling.
   • Do not tie the compression bandage too tightly or apply pressure for more than 15 minutes at a time, as complete blood flow can cause more damage to your feet.
   • Uncomplicated toe fractures heal, usually take about four to six weeks, and then you can gradually return to athletic activities.

2. 

   Take over-the-counter medications. Your doctor may give you anti-inflammatory drugs ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or common pain relievers like acetaminophen to help fight inflammation and relieve pain from toe injury.
   • The above drugs are usually not good for the stomach, liver and kidneys, so you should not take more than two weeks at a time.

3. 

   Support bandages for your toes. Put a bandage on the next healthy toe (called a “buddy” bandage) for support and also to help rectify it if it is crooked (talk to your doctor beforehand if you notice a crooked appearance). Thoroughly wipe your toes and feet with alcohol, then use medical tape, preferably water-repellent to not get into the water when bathing. Change the tape every few days over a period of a few weeks.
   • Consider placing gauze or felt cloth between your toes before dressing to avoid irritation.
   • You can make a simple home brace for extra support by placing the popsicles on the sides of your toes before putting your fingers together.
   • If you cannot bandage your toe yourself, ask your family doctor, a specialist, a osteoarthritis specialist, a podiatrist or a physical therapist for help.

4. 

   Wear comfortable footwear for four to six weeks. As soon as you are injured, switch to comfortable footwear to allow room for a swollen toe and a brace. Choose solid, sturdy, and sturdy soleplates over fashion. Avoid wearing high heels for at least a few months, as they will push forward and cramped your toes.
   • Open toed sandals can be helpful if the toes are swollen, but remember they do not protect the toe.
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Part 3 of 4: Treat a toe with open fracture and dislocation

1. 

   Osteopathic surgery. If the broken bones don't fit together, the orthopedic surgeon will put the pieces back into place - called osteopathic surgery. In some cases, the chiropractic procedure may be performed without surgery, depending on the number and location of the fractured bones. A local anesthetic is injected to relieve the pain. If the skin is torn due to an injury, stitches may be needed to close the wound and apply antiseptic.
   • With open fractures, fast processing times are important to avoid the possibility of blood loss, the risk of infection and necrosis (tissue death due to lack of oxygen).
   • Your doctor may prescribe strong pain relievers such as narcotics before using an anesthetic in the operating room.
   • Severe fractures require the use of tongs or screws to stay in place while the wound is healed.
   • Chiropractic is not only used in open fractures but also for serious dislocations.

2. 

   A splint. After manipulating a broken toe, a brace is often required to immobilize and protect the toe during treatment. Or you may have to wear a support shoe, but no matter which method you use, you may need to use crutches to walk for a short period of time (about 2 weeks). During this stage, your doctor will recommend that you limit your movement, and put your feet up while resting.
   • Although the brace can provide support and cushioning for the toe, it does not provide safety for the toe, so be careful not to trip while walking.
   • Throughout the treatment period, a diet rich in minerals, especially calcium, magnesium and boron, and vitamin D should be ensured to keep bones strong.

3. 

   Powder bundle. If multiple toes are broken or the other bones of the foot are injured, your doctor may apply plaster or fiberglass cast to the entire foot. You may also be advised to wear low-brace shoes if the bones do not match. Most broken bones heal if they are repositioned and protected from injury and strong pressure.
   • After surgery, especially with a cast, a severely broken toe can heal in six to eight weeks, depending on the location and severity of the injury. After a long cast, you may need foot rehabilitation as described below.
   • After a week or two, your doctor may order X-rays to make sure the bones are in place and are healing properly.
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Part 4 of 4: Handling complications

1. 

   Watch for signs of infection. If the skin is torn near the injured toe, you are at risk of infection in the bones or surrounding tissues. The site of the infection will be swollen, red, warm and soft to the touch. Sometimes the infection drains pus (shows white blood cells working) and smells bad. If you have an open fracture, your doctor may prescribe preventive oral antibiotics for two weeks to stop the growth and spread of bacteria.
   • Your doctor will carefully examine and prescribe antibiotics if you notice signs of infection.
   • Your doctor may recommend a tetanus booster shot after a serious fracture is caused by a puncture or broken skin.

2. 

   Use orthopedic insoles. Orthopedic insoles are designed to reduce foot curvature and help support biomechanics during walking and running. After a toe fracture, especially the big toe, the gait and foot biomechanics can be worsened by limping and avoid touching the toe. Orthopedic insoles will help reduce the risk of problems in other joints such as ankles, knees and hips.
   • Severe fractures are always associated with an increased risk of arthritis in the surrounding joints, but orthopedic insoles can reduce this risk.

3. 

   Seek physical therapy. Once the pain is gone and the broken bone has healed, you may notice less movement and strength in the foot. Ask your doctor for a referral to a sports medicine or physiotherapist. They can offer a wide variety of strength-strengthening exercises, stretching and therapies to improve movement, balance, combination, and strength according to your unique needs.
   • Other specialists who may also help with toe / foot rehabilitation are podiatrists and osteopaths.
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Advice

• You don't need to be completely motionless if you have a broken toe, but replace it with activities that put less pressure on your feet like swimming or lifting weights with your upper body.
• After ten days, changing the ice therapy to moist heat therapy (using a bag of rice or beans heated in the microwave) can help soothe sore toes and increase blood circulation.
• You can replace anti-inflammatory and pain reliever medications with acupuncture to ease pain and inflammation.
• If you have diabetes or peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation in your toes), you should not bandage your toes together because you don't know if the dressing is too tight or blistering.

Warning

• Are not Use this article as a substitute for medical care! Always seek the advice of a doctor.