Broken Big Toe

The structure of the foot is intricate, consisting of bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Of the 26 bones in the foot, 19 are toe bones (phalanges) and metatarsal bones (the long bones in the midfoot). Fractures of the toe and metatarsal bones are common and need examination by a professional. A foot and ankle specialist ought to be seen for correct diagnosis and treatment, even if preliminary treatment has actually been gotten in an emergency clinic.

What Is a Fracture?

A fracture is a break in the bone. Fractures can be divided into two classifications: traumatic fractures and stress fractures.

Broken big toe (likewise called acute fractures) are caused by a direct blow or impact, such as seriously stubbing your toe. Distressing fractures can be displaced or non-displaced. If the fracture is displaced, the bone is broken in such a manner in which it has altered in position (dislocated).

Symptoms and signs of broken big toe on a foot

Symptoms and signs of a traumatic fracture include:

• You might hear a sound at the time of the break.
• “Pinpoint pain” (pain at the place of effect) at the time the toe brake occurs and possibly for a couple of hours later on, however frequently the pain disappears after numerous hours.
• Uneven or abnormal appearance of the toe.
• Bruising and swelling the next day.
• It is not true that “if you can walk on it, it’s not broken.” Examination by a foot and ankle specialist is always advised.
• Stress fractures are small, hairline breaks that are typically caused by recurring stress. Stress fractures frequently affect professional athletes who, for example, too quickly increase their running mileage. They can also be triggered by an abnormal foot structure, defects, or osteoporosis. Improper shoes may likewise result in stress fractures.

Stress fractures need to not be ignored. They require appropriate medical focus on heal properly.

Symptoms of stress fractures consist of:

• Pain with or after regular activity
• Pain that disappears when resting and then returns when standing or during activity
• “Pinpoint pain” (pain at the site of the fracture) when touched
• Swelling, however no bruising

Repercussions of Improper Treatment

Some individuals state that “the doctor can’t do anything for a busted bone in the foot.” This is generally not true. In fact, if a fractured toe or metatarsal bone is not relieved correctly, major issues might develop. For instance:

• A deformity in the bony architecture which may restrict the capability to move the foot or cause difficulty in fitting shoes
• Arthritis, which might be brought on by a fracture in a joint (the point where two bones date), or may be an outcome of angular deformities that develop when a displaced fracture is severe or hasn’t been correctly fixed
• Chronic pain and defect
• Non-union, or failure to recover, can lead to subsequent surgery or chronic pain.

Treatment of Broken Big Toe on Foot

Fractures of the toe bones are usually traumatic fractures. Treatment for traumatic fractures depends upon the break itself and may include these options:

• Rest. Often rest is all that is had to alleviate a terrible fracture of the toe.
• Splinting. The toe might be fitted with a splint to keep it in a fixed position.
• Stiff or stiff-soled shoe. Wearing a stiff-soled shoe secures the toe and helps keep it properly placed.
• Surgery. If the break is severely displaced or if the joint is influenced, surgery might be required. Surgery typically involves making use of addiction devices, such as pins.

Treatment of Metatarsal Fractures

Breaks in the metatarsal bones may be either stress or distressing fractures. Certain sort of fractures of the metatarsal bones present unique difficulties.

For example, sometimes a fracture of the first metatarsal bone (behind the huge toe) can cause arthritis. Given that the big toe is utilized so regularly and bears more weight than other toes, arthritis because area can make it painful to walk, bend, or perhaps stand.

Another kind of break, called a Jones fracture, happens at the base of the 5th metatarsal bone (behind the little toe). It is often misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain, and misdiagnosis can have serious effects given that sprains and fractures need different treatments. Your foot and ankle cosmetic surgeon is a professional in properly identifying these conditions as well as other issues of the foot.

Treatment of metatarsal fractures depends on the type and degree of the fracture, and might include:

• Rest. Often rest is the only treatment needed to promote healing of a stress or distressing fracture of a metatarsal bone.
  Avoid the offending activity. Due to the fact that stress fractures arise from recurring stress, it is very important to prevent the activity that caused the fracture. Crutches or a wheelchair are in some cases required to offload weight from the foot to provide it time to heal.
  Immobilization, casting, or rigid shoe. A stiff-soled shoe or other type of immobilization may be used to secure the fractured bone while it is recovery.
  Surgery. Some distressing fractures of the metatarsal bones require surgery, especially if the break is severely displaced.
  Follow-up care. Your foot and ankle surgeon will offer directions for care following surgical or non-surgical treatment. Physical therapy, exercises and rehab may be consisted of in a schedule for go back to normal activities.